A guidebook on the different types of motor cycles one can buy in India

05 Apr 2019

The motor cycle market in India has become rather hot in the last two decades or so. More and more bikers are taking to the roads. Motor cycles especially prove to be the lifeline of smaller Indian cities, which do not have adequate public transportation facilities. Besides, buyers can choose from a wide variety of two wheelers depending upon their budget and requirement. Yes, motorcycles can be purchased by spending a few thousands to several lakhs depending upon the type of two-wheeler you wish to own. Here are the different types of motorbikes you can buy in India

Motor cycles without gear:

Motor-cycles without gear, or scooters, as they are colloquially known, make for light, efficient and practical two-wheelers, which are also easy to ride. Today, most scooters come with an auto-start button and do not require the rider to kick-start the vehicle. That said, these bikes also come with a kick-starter and kick-starting the bike is a good practice that should be followed at least twice a week. Scooters are those types of motorbikes which are ideal for people who find shifting gears inconvenient or confusing. You can get a scooter license in India at the age of 16 as opposed to geared bikes where licences can be acquired only by individuals above 18 years of age. Popular scooters in India include Honda Activa, Honda Dio, TVS Jupiter, Hero Pleasure and Vespa.

Street bikes:

Street bikes, also known as standard motorcycles are the most common of all types of motorbikes ridden in India. They are preferred by new beginners not only because they are cost-effective and offer high mileage, but also because they can be easily repaired and the damage done to such bikes is minimal owing the minimal body-work of these motorcycles. This is why street bikes have also earned the nickname naked bikes. Street bikes are often touted as the most economical of the lot and outrank gearless bikes as well in terms of their cost and average mileage. A mid value street bike can offer a mileage of up-to 60 kilometres per litre. Some of the most widely used street bikes in India include Hero Splendour, TVS Apache, Yamaha YXF, Bajaj Pulsar etc.

Sports bikes:

If you love speed and often find yourself seeking thrilling adventures, a sports bike is the best kind of bike for you. Sports bikes are ideal for people who love to zip from point A to B in the quickest time possible. That said, a sports bike may not be the best kind of vehicle to drive in crowded cities. It is best utilized on highways and expressways. Sports bikes are often regarded as the most expensive types of motorbikes in India and cost a few lakhs and upward. Such bikes emit lots of heat and the engine gets heated rather quickly. Also, a ride on the sports bike may not be ideal for everyone because it can hurt your posture and cause immense back ache. Popular sports bikes available in India include the Yamaha YZF-R15, Suzuki GSX- R1000, Suzuki Hayabusa, KTM 1190 RC8, Honda CBR 1000 RR and Kawasaki Ninja.

Dirt Bikes:

Although this is a very small segment for this kind of bike in India, the demand for dirt bikes is growing with every passing year. Dirt bikes are similar to adventure tourer bikes, another category of bikes that are known for their ability to handle dirt and long-travel suspension. These types of motorbikes are also almost weightless and are distinguished by their small fuel tanks and knobby tyres. Also, most dirt-bikes come without lamps which make them illegal to be driven on Indian roads and are best used in dirty, adventurous terrains. Although they are meant for recreational purposes only, dirt bikes come with high price tags. Kawasaki and Suzuki are the only two motorcycle brands currently selling dirt bikes in India. Most dirt bikes are manufactured outside India and need to be imported.

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