MAY 29, 2018
ABS is a potentially life-saving safety feature, and one that is rather necessary in India, due to patchy roads and heavy monsoons. The good news is that we have seen an increasing number of smaller-capacity bikes equipped with ABS this year, due to the government’s mandate on making it compulsory on all two-wheelers above 125cc launched after April 1.
We bring you five of the most affordable ABS-equipped motorcycles available in the market:
5. Bajaj Pulsar NS200
Price – Rs 1,11,411
The only bike from Bajaj on the list is the Pulsar NS200. It is also the most powerful bike here – making 23.5hp from its 199.5cc liquid-cooled engine – and it manages this despite using a carburettor. However, unlike the cheaper TVS bikes further down the list, it only gets single-channel ABS. This means that the ABS prevents only the front wheel and not the rear from locking during braking. What it does have going for it is its perimeter frame, a feature that is exclusive to the NS200 in this group. Those looking for a more sporty Pulsar with better wind protection can also look at the fuel injected RS200 ABS, priced at Rs 1,37,491.
4. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
Price – Rs 1,09,485 (ABS and Carburettor)
The RTR 200 gets dual-channel ABS (acting on both wheels) along with Rear Wheel Lift-Off Protection (RLP), meaning that the bike will not do a stoppie, no matter how hard you apply the front brake. The bike gets a slipper clutch as standard and Pirelli tyres as an option. It is also available in a fuel-injected (FI) version. The RTR 200’s 197.75cc engine is air- and oil-cooled, and puts out 20.5hp (Carburettor) and 21hp (FI), and 18.1Nm of torque. This quick motorcycle, while being safe, is also great value for money.
3. TVS Apache RTR 180
Price – Rs 93,497
The Apache RTR 180 is the cheapest motorcycle in India to get dual-channel ABS and RLP. The Apache gets a 177.4cc engine, putting out 16.62hp and 15.5Nm of torque. While it is the most affordable dual-channel motorcycle here, it does feel dated in this company, with dual shock absorbers at the rear (compared to the monoshocks on all other bikes on this list), and a relatively basic instrument cluster.
2. Honda CB Hornet 160R
Price – Rs 90,734
The CB Hornet is a somewhat sporty commuter bike that sits a segment below the earlier motorcycles on this list. And unlike the TVS bikes, the Hornet comes only with single-channel ABS (front only). It offers a comfortable, upright riding position, and a large seat. The Hornet puts out 15.7hp and 14.5Nm of torque from its 162.7cc engine – adequate numbers for this class of motorcycle.
1. Suzuki Gixxer
Price – Rs 87,250
We had recently brought you exclusive pictures of the Suzuki Gixxer ABS, before it was launched yesterday at Rs 87,250. This makes it the cheapest ABS equipped motorcycle in the country. However, like the Hornet and the NS, the Gixxer only gets single-channel ABS. It features a slightly more sporty riding position than the Hornet, and handles sharply. The 155cc motor in the Gixxer puts out 14.8hp and 14Nm of torque – slightly less than the Hornet’s numbers, but power delivery is peppy.
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
Courtesy/Source: AUTOCAR INDIA
