The Indian motorcycle market could definitely do with some variety in the affordable bike space. Motorcycles enthusiasts have limited options when it comes to decent and most importantly, affordable rides. Even though major auto companies view India as a massive market potentially, they mostly fail to provide a motorcycle line-up that will give us its money's worth. But there are still a number of really good bikes out there that you can purchase for around ₹1 lakh. Though we have mentioned the prices below, they are all ex-showroom rates so expect the actual prices to differ a little. Here are a few examples.
Yamaha FZ-S Fi
The FZ-S Fi is known for being stable and trustworthy. The v2.0 version that was released in 2014 and makes 13.2hp of peak power and 12.8Nm. The bike was first released in 2008 and quickly gained popularity owing to its strong motor, smooth handling and classic styling. The bike's 132 kg kerb weight and refined fuel-injected 149cc motor make up for its slightly low engine power.
Power: 13.2hp at 8,000rpm
Torque: 12.8Nm at 6,000rpm
Price: ₹82,789
Bajaj Avenger 220
The Avenger may lack in power but it has a wide torque curve aimed at delivering a strong low-to-mid range pull. Performance-wise, the bike can surely do better but the intimate styling is where it scores well. Bajaj has revised and reworked the model many times leading to it becoming a reliable bike to own. The Avenger 220 uses the carburetted 220cc, single cylinder, air-and-oil-cooled, DTS-i motor from the Pulsar 220, in a state of tune that’s more suited for a cruiser. Two trims are available-Street and Cruise. The former comes with alloy wheels and flatter handlebars whereas the Cruise version has wire spoke wheels, tall handlebars and a tall windscreen as standard.
Power: 19.03hp at 8,400rpm
Torque: 17.5Nm at 7,000rpm
Price: ₹87,331
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
The RTR 200 4V is the fastest Apache and the 2016 version is the right kind of sporty mingled with comfort. It comes with a 197.75cc, single-cylinder, air-and-oil-cooled engine that gets a four-valve head. As compared to its predecessors, the RTR has a much wider seating area, which does wonders for the general riding experience. The bike will run on sticky Pirelli tyres and comes equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard, so safety is not a concern. It’s available in both carburetted and fuel-injected variants though if you are looking for something stronger the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) version might be more your taste, but it does cost more.
Power: 20.5hp at 8,500rpm (carburetted version)
Torque: 18.1Nm at 7,000rpm
Price: ₹97,615 (with Pirelli tyres)
Bajaj Pulsar 200NS
Previously known as the Pulsar NS200, the newly relaunched 200NS has replaced the AS200 and we hear no complaints. The bike is still powered by the same 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor derived from the KTM 200 Duke. Bajaj's patented triple-sparkplug technology makes the motorcycle more efficient. Its handling is perhaps the best part of the whole package and makes the bike super easy to ride, no matter what urban terrain you choose to scale with it.
Power: 23.5hp at 9,500rpm
Torque: 18.3Nm at 8,000rpm
Price: ₹96,453
Suzuki Gixxer/SF
A highly recommended option, the Gixxer makes for an amazing ride. Mind you, it may not be the most powerful bike or the best looking, but it is more than worth its price. Power comes from a 14.5 horsepower, 155cc engine and is perfect for day-to-day commuting through city roads - the 7-step adjustable mono suspension negotiates potholes quite comfortably. The light kerb weight of just 135kg adds to its easy manoeuvrability. The rear LED tail lamps, the wide 140mm rear tyre and the chrome treatment on the exhaust make the bike great to look at from the back.
Power: 14.8hp at 8,000rpm
Torque: 14Nm at 6,000rpm
Price: ₹80,528 (Gixxer, rear disc) / ₹89,659 (Gixxer SF)
Special mention
Aprilia SR150
Yes, a scooter has been added to this list and for good reason too. The Aprilia SR150 is incredibly fun to ride. It comes with a variomatic gearbox tuned for rapid acceleration and its does not compromise over speed at all. The stylish smart and chic, 14-inch wheels shod with sticky V-Rubber tyres make for an interesting design element. Other than the looks, the features list slightly disappoint with no brake lever lock, a remote seat release mechanism or a charging socket that we have come to expect in most premium scooters nowadays. The engine on the SR 150 is similar to that on the Vespa 150, churning out a peak output of 11.4bhp and 11.5Nm of peak torque from its 154.4cc engine.
