1. Royal Enfield Classic 350
Originally launched in 2009, this Royal Enfield vehicle has since managed to find its way into the bucket list for most prospective bike buyers.
In February 2020 alone, this Classic 350 has sold more than 41,000 units in India. Its engine packs immense power, at 19.1bhp. At 28Nm, this vehicle’s torque performance is just as impressive.
Also, the 5-speed manual gearbox of the bike provides plenty of freedom to riders. Royal Enfield currently supports 16 different colour options for this model.
- Mileage: 40.8kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 346cc
- Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 1,57,097
2. Royal Enfield Bullet 350
One of the oldest and most popular bikes in India is the Bullet 350 from Royal Enfield. It was first manufactured in 1932. Since then, the vehicle has undergone innumerable alterations.
In India, this model is the entry-level offering from Royal Enfield. The 185 kg hefty bike sports a 5-speed manual gearbox. The single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine is capable of delivering similar torque and power performance as the Classic 350.
If this bike suits your liking, ensure you choose the colour of the vehicle after careful consideration. The manufacturer offers 11 exciting colour options for consumers to pick from.
- Mileage: 40kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 346cc
- Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 1,21,583
3. Yamaha YZF R15 V3
Not only one of the best performing but also one of the best looking bikes in India, the YZF R15 V3 is a dream model, especially for youngsters.
The BS-VI, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine sports a 6-speed manual transmission system. This single-cylinder system is capable of delivering 14.1 Nm torque and 18.3bhp of power at peak performance.
Interested customers can choose from three primary colour options, namely, Racing Blue, Thunder Grey and Dark Night. The vehicle’s stellar performance and looks led to it being awarded the prestigious 2019 India Design Mark Award.
- Mileage: 47.92kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 155cc
- Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 1,45,300
4. Yamaha MT 15
Another offering from the Japanese vehicle manufacturer, the Yamaha MT 15 was launched in 2019. Yet again, the company has focused on both style and features here. Riders can enjoy a 6-speed manual transmission.
Further, 2020’s updated model comes with increased power output and a brand new BS-VI compliant emission system. Thus, the new model can generate around 18.2bhp of power and 13.9Nm torque.
It boasts a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine. The vehicle was recognised for its excellence at the Bike India Awards 2020, where it snatched the coveted prize in the ‘Bike of the Year up to 160cc’ category.
- Mileage: 48.58kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 155cc
- Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 1,38,900
5. Hero Splendor Plus
Making its way into number five in this list is one of the most popular bikes in India, especially in the commuter category – the Hero Splendor Plus.
While its specs cannot match the aforementioned vehicles, its affordability and fuel economy are truly spectacular. The single-cylinder, air-cooled engine can generate up to 8.36bhp of power during peak performance.
In 2020, consumers can buy the brand new BS-VI model of the vehicle, with which Hero is bringing its Splendor line up to date with the latest emission guidelines.
Currently, customers can pick from nine colour options, each lending a different look and feel to the bike. Fuel consumption is low due to the advanced i3s start and stop system that Hero MotoCorp has developed and integrated into the bike.
- Mileage: 80kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 97.2cc
- Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 52,800
6. Bajaj Pulsar 150
If you compare the core numbers, the Pulsar 150 is the highest-selling commuter bike in the country. The series crossed the milestone of one-lakh unit sales per month in March 2019.
This commuter bike sports a powerful air-cooled engine with fuel-injection system. The new BS-VI compliant model can generate peak powers of 13.8bhp and a torque of 13.25Nm.
The five-speed manual transmission is apt for improved manoeuvrability on Indians roads. If you are looking to purchase this bike, choose from six attractive colour options, including neon yellow, neon red and more.
- Mileage: 50kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 149.5cc
- Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 85,536
7. KTM 200 Duke
KTM’s reasonably priced performance bikes have found great favour amongst consumers in India. Although a commuter bike, the KTM Duke boasts features similar to many sports bikes in the market.
Extremely stylish, this model comes with a 13.5-litre fuel tank. Liquid cooling and fuel injection are just some of the engine features that consumers can look forward to when buying this bike.
It can generate max powers at 25bhp and peak torque of 19.5Nm. Further, the new model is equipped with the BS-VI emission system. In 2013’s IMOTY Awards, the KTM 200 Duke received the prestigious Indian Motorcycle of the Year.
- Mileage: 35kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 199.5cc
- Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 1,72,749
8. Bajaj Pulsar NS200
People looking for something more premium than the Pulsar 150 can instead choose the Pulsar NS200. Extremely impressive in both looks and specs, this bike is certainly a popular bike in India.
At 154 kg, this vehicle is not too heavy, ensuring simple handling. With a single-cylinder, liquid cooling and fuel injection, the Pulsar NS200 can generate up to 23.7bhp power and 18.6Nm of torque.
Red, Graphite Black and Mirage White are three colour options for the bike. Additional features include a six-speed gearbox. Bajaj claims that the Pulsar NS200 is the most awarded bike from the manufacturer till date.
- Mileage: 36.1kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 199.4cc
- Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 1,25,030
9. KTM RC 125
A more moderately priced vehicle from KTM when compared to the 200 Duke, the RC 125 still sports liquid cooling and fuel injection system in its 6-speed transmission supported engine.
Originally, the bike was available in two primary colours. However, with the BS-VI variant rollout, KTM is offering three new livery colour options as well.
The bike’s engine stats are quite impressive, with peak power at 14.5bhp and a torque of 12Nm. The ABS braking system is another noteworthy feature of the bike.
- Mileage: 38kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 124.7cc
- Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 1,48,750
10. TVS Apache RTR 160
The last name on the list is the Apache RTR 160 from TVS. In February 2020, the bike sold 32033 units. The single-cylinder, air-cooled and fuel-injected engine can generate a peak torque of 13.9Nm and max power of 15.3bhp. It sports a 5-gear manual transmission. At present, the vehicle is available in six primary colours.
- Mileage: 45kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 159.7cc
- Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 95,000
While there are several other bikes available in India, the above list presents a comprehensive view regarding the most popular bikes in India.
You need to assess what you are looking for from your bike before selecting a model. Some of these vehicles offer impressive fuel economy, while others may provide increase engine displacement.