These days you will come across a glut of ‘value-for-money’ motorcycle lists across the web, but most of the times what qualifies as “value” won’t count for much for motorcycling enthusiasts. For this list however, we’ve chosen bikes that provide the most excitement and a fun-to-ride experience at a relative affordable price, for their class at least.
Since this is a cross-class list, these bikes can't be compared to each other as such. Just know that each of these offers a great riding experience in their own price bracket or class, and just having the most horsepower isn't what it's all about. But, just for good measure, we’re also including just how much you will have to shell out for these horses, should you decide to buy one from the list.
1. Suzuki Gixxer
Launched a couple of years back, the Gixxer completely changed the game in the 150cc segment in India, and totally raised our expectations about what a bike in this category can be all about. And funnily enough, Suzuki didn’t need to reinvent the wheel while doing so. Its 155cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor does not make very high peak horsepower, but instead, provides a very usable torque spread throughout its rev range. That lovely tractability combined with an extremely competent and communicative handling package makes for an extremely fun-to-ride experience. On top of that, you get a bike that looks pretty good as well. For those who prefer sport bike looks, Suzuki also offers the Gixxer in a full-faired avatar in the form of the SF, and both the faired and naked variants are now available with a rear disc brake option.
Price: Rs 77,650 (ex-showroom Delhi)
Power: 14.8hp at 8,000rpm
Price to Power ratio: Rs 5,246 per hp
2. Bajaj Pulsar RS200
The RS200 is the most powerful Pulsar made to date. Bajaj has basically taken its highly successful Pulsar 200NS, made quite a few improvements all around, which include a switch to fuel injection for its 199.5cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, revised steering geometry, and optional single-channel ABS. Even the aesthetics have been completely revised and the RS200 sports a full fairing along with twin projector headlights. While the motor is not the most refined experience out there, it delivers plenty of punch. Mind you, it’s not a full-fledged sportbike, but rather a street bike with a full-fairing. But the street focused riding experience makes it highly enjoyable, whether you’re riding in the city, on the highway or through twisty mountain roads.
Price: Rs 1,32,000 (ex-showroom Delhi)
Power: 24.5hp at 9,750rpm
Price to Power ratio: Rs 5,387 per hp
3. Bajaj Pulsar AS200
Okay, so why include the Bajaj AS200 when we've already got it's more high tech and faster sibling in this list? Well, while this ‘Adventure Sport’ (as it is known) variant of the Pulsar makes a little less horsepower as compared to the RS and might not share its handling prowess or refinement levels, there's no denying that thanks to some absolutely brilliant pricing, the AS200 offers incredible value in terms of giving you the most horsepower for your money's worth. This has been achieved by sharing a large number of its body panels with its naked sibling, the 200NS (which is not in production at the moment), and sticking to a carburettor setup instead of fuel injection (which the RS has). And yes, it doesn't offer ABS either. But that being said, the AS200 is still a fun motorcycle to ride and very easy to recommend to someone looking for a thrilling ride at an affordable price.
Price: Rs 94,049 (ex-showroom Delhi)
Power: 23.5hp@9500rpm
Price to power ratio: Rs 4,002 per hp
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
