Best of 2014: Top bike and scooter reviews

This year has been a busy one in the two-wheeler industry in India. This year saw quite a few launches, including a comprehensive line-up from the legendary Italian brand, Benelli. Brands such as KTM, Triumph and even Harley-Davidson have been expanding in India with new launches. As a result, consumers here have now got improved options to pick from.As always, we reviewed some of the most exciting two wheelers over the year. Following is a list of some of the most popular ones on our website.

Honda Activa 125 review

Seeing a Honda at the top of the list is not surprising because of the space the brand has carved for itself in the Indian market. More so, the Activa has always been a favorite product with customers in the country. This year, the Activa grew up a bit, and got a 125cc engine, and styling upgrades. Build quality, fit and finish are top notch, and the engine is refined. This is a scooter that looks mature, but is quite young at heart.. Read full review here.

Suzuki Gixxer review

Say the name Gixxer, and the first thing that comes to mind is the litre-class GSX-R1000 from the Japanese manufacturer’s stable. However, with the launch of the smaller engined motorcycle, proportional performance alongwith the same level of quality is now available for the two-wheeler crazy country. Being a direct rival of the Yamaha FZ-S, it has added a credible alternative for those who like a more mature, less manic looking motorcycle. Review.

Yamaha FZ-S V2.0 review

 The FZ-S was launched a few years back as a product that looks great and performs even better. It was launched at almost the same time as the YZF-R15, but was much cheaper than the latter. With looks inspired from the FZ01, the litre-class naked motorcycle, it started selling like hot cakes – about 18,000 units per month. It was only recently that Yamaha decided to swap out the carburetor with a fuel injection unit, improving the refinement levels even more, and making it look sharper. Review.

Harley-Davidson Street 750 review

Harley-Davidson is a brand associated with cruisers, and owning a H-D motorcycle is a dream for almost everyone who likes cruisers.  H-D made this dream come true for quite a few buyers in India when they launched the Street 750. The motorcycle retails for nearly Rs 4.3 lakh, much cheaper than the next big Harley. Review here.

Yamaha Alpha review

First showcased at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo, it was brought to the market rather soon after. It is built on the Yamaha Ray platform, and was set to go up against the Honda Aviator. The 113cc four-stroke engine is rather refined, and performs quite well even when pushed hard. It has been quite popular as an alternative to the Honda offering because of a competitive price, making it a good value-for-money bike. Review here.

Suzuki Inazuma review – The Suzuki Inazuma is quite a good package - the bikemaker has paid more attention to comfort rather than outright performance. Build quality is also top notch, the engine is rather relaxed, and the suspension rather plush, making it a great quarter-litre sports tourer. The only downside of the motorcycle is the pricing, which is on the higher side. We have also just heard that Suzuki will stop production of the motorcycle in early 2015. Review

Hyosung Aquila 250 review – The Aquila 250 was once imported into India in 2003 by Kinetic, in limited numbers. Although it is a part of the limited options available for buyers in India, it is a buy that will not disappoint them. A smooth and well-performing engine makes its way to the Aquila 250, and at a retail price of a shade over Rs 2.5 lakh, it is the best cruiser one can buy in the range. Review.

Piaggio Vespa S review 

The Vespa S brings back retro, with good muscular styling. A three-valve, 125cc, air-cooled engine which produces 10.06bhp makes its way to the Vespa S. The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox, which works quite well. The high price of the scooter is justified as it is positioned in the market for consumers who want to make a style statement. However, it has a good balance of form and functionality too. Review.

Kawasaki Z800 review 

The Kawasaki Z800 is the tamer, more comfortably sprung version of the manic-looking Z1000. It comes with more confidence-inspiring, sure-footed cornering abilities. Probably the best part of the Z800 is that it is the cheapest motorcycle in the market with an in-line four-cylinder engine. Overall, the Z800 comes together as a powerful, hard to beat, naked streetfighter package from Kawasaki, at a relatively sensible price point. Review.

Triumph Thunderbird Storm  review

The Triumph Thunderbird Storm has what it takes to be a big cruiser on the highway. Massive torque, and a great exhaust are some of the rewards that you get on wringing the throttle. Great looks is another factor which will draw more buyers who want to own a serious cruiser. It is also cheaper than equivalent motorcycles such as the recently launched Harley-Davidson Breakout. Review.