Top 5 affordable ABS-equipped motorcycles for you
ith the ABS feature now mandatory in India from April 2019 for bikes with a 125CC or a more powerful engine, the manufacturers have started the process of making motorcycles with Anti-Lock Brakes System (ABS) as standard some models. This is a useful safety feature which has a potential to be the difference between life and death in case of an accident.
We think the idea of making ABS mandatory in motorcycle above 125cc is a smart move. However, in a market like India where safety takes a backseat and factors like mileage, value for money, budget (of course) takes the front line, the inclusion of ABS feature in mid-range commuter motorcycles will increase the cost of the motorcycle.
Yet, gradually we have started seeing manufacturers coming out with relatively affordable bikes that have the ABS features. There was a time when KTM Duke 390 was the cheapest motorcycle to have the feature. But that, despite the tag of its “cheapest ABS bike” used to cost Rs 2.6 lakh on road. Now there are bikes with ABS under Rs 1.5 lakh. Here are five ones that you should check out in case you want a motorcycle which has ABS feature and cheap as well.
Suzuki Gixxer ABS
The latest motorcycle on this list is also the cheapest. Suzuki has launched the Gixxer with the ABS feature for prices starting at Rs 87,250, ex-showroom and it comes with ABS feature.
The Gixxer is powered by a 4-stroke single-cylinder 154.9cc, BS-4 compliant engine which churns out 14.8bhp and 14Nm of torque. The Gixxer, apart from single-channel ABS, gets the standard feature list which contains AHO headlamps, LED tail lamps, digital speedo, front and rear disc brakes, with an added single stack twin exhaust.
Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi
The Gixxer SF Fi is the faired version of the Gixxer naked motorcycle. Going by the name, the motorcycle gets the same single-cylinder 154.9cc fuel-injected engine as the Gixxer naked motorcycle, with fuel-injection being the extra feature.
The Gixxer SF Fi gets single-channel ABS, alongside AHO headlamps, LED tail lamps, digital speedo, front and rear disc brakes, with a single-sided twin exhaust.
The Gixxer SF Fi is priced at Rs 1.03 lakh, ex-showroom and is available in three shades Metallic Triton Blue, Glass Sparkle Black, and Orange Black.
TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS
One of the fastest motorcycles from TVS, the aggressive looking motorcycle gets sleek design elements. The Apache RTR 180 ABS gets LED DRLs with pilot lamps. There are aerodynamic designs on the front cowl, tank extensions added with a blue-backlit instrument console.
The Apache RTR 180 ABS is powered by a single-cylinder 177.4cc engine which churns out 17.03bhp and 15.5Nm of torque. The powertrain is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with company claimed a top speed of 124kmph. The highlight of this motorcycle is not the ABS, but the fact that you can switch off the ABS feature to prevent it from kicking in during controlled sliding. The Apache RTR 180 ABS is priced at Rs 91,812, ex-showroom and is available in Black, White, Grey Matte, and Matte Blue shade.
Suzuki Intruder 150 ABS/Fi
Suzuki Motorcycles launched the 150cc version of its biggest cruiser motorcycle, the 1,800cc Intruder. However, under the tank, the Intruder is powered by a Gixxer-sourced 155cc unit, and even gets the same chassis, swingarm, and even the same rake angle. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Power figures are identical to the Gixxer SF Fi/Gixxer as well.
The Intruder 150 comes loaded with single-channel ABS which works on the front wheel. The Intruder is priced at Rs 1.01 lakh, ex-showroom.
The Intruder 150 Fi is essentially the same motorcycle as the Suzuki Intruder 150 ABS and gets fuel-injection as standard, along with Anti-lock Braking System.
Prices for the Intruder Fi ABS starts at Rs 1.07 lakh, ex-showroom.
Bajaj Pulsar RS200
Bajaj’s answer to the fully-faired motorcycle market, the RS200 fully-faired motorcycle for the Indian market. Previously called the SS200, the motorcycle has given the Indian motorcycle manufacture a new player for the sub 250cc motorcycle segment.
The design of the RS200 is not fully-committed motorcycle like the Yamaha R15 V3, or the Apache 300. The riding stance is upright with slight-forward lean angles to give that sporty feel. The RS200 is powered by the NS200 sourced engine, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The RS200 gets dual-projector headlamps with a large fairing which makes the motorcycle look muscular.
Prices for the RS200 start at Rs 1.26 lakh, ex-showroom.
