The Top 5 Mid-Range Bikes In India For Long Distance Riding
Time To Read: 5-7 minutes
Back in the day, long rides were not for the faint of heart. The only bikes available then were thrummy 100ccs and the occasional 150. Of course, there were Royal Enfields, but the old girls were notoriously unreliable, and very harsh beyond 65 kilo-meters per hour. Not just that, the clutch became harder on the damned things as the hours went by in continuous riding. It wasn’t really a choice.
In theory at least, the great thing about cubic capacity is that the more you have, the more relaxed the engine is. By that logic, bigger bikes can not only reach and maintain higher cruising speeds, they can do it more easily and are therefore better suited to cover large distances. But how much cubic capacity do you need?
Yes, it’s difficult and complicated with smaller capacity bikes. But that alone does not make the case for those expensive high capacity motorcycles. As engine capacity goes north of 400cc, mileage drops below 30 kilometres per litre. Any advantage you would have from the increased power and traction would be lost in the decreased range and higher running costs of a thirsty bike, which incidentally is exactly why the Yamaha RD 350 failed. Of course, this is not a universal law, just one that applies to practical, mileage-conscious, normal people like us.
By this logic, the ideal long distance tourer would be a motorcycle with an engine capacity of 150 to 500 cc, dry weight of 200 kilos or less (since the super heavy Royal Enfields are the hardest to pull out of ditches) and produce between 15 and 50 bhp. This shootout would also automatically exclude bikes with sports tuning such as the KTM Dukes, Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS, 220 DTSi and the TVS Apache series. These are simply too high-strung to be relaxed in highway riding and the riding positions on the bikes are suspect as well.
The Yamaha makes the list because it is the first one in a long time which has a riding position that is really suited to long rides. It’s power and performance is comparable to the KTM 250 and it is quite sporty off the mark. But then, it settles into a nice rhythm that is more suited to long distance riding. Probably because of its tall gearing at higher speeds, it is not as aggressive in fifth as you’d expect, but the quarter litre still manages to hit north of 140 kmph. No doubt, Yamaha has skimped on equipment to keep the entry point low: ABS is missing and the LED headlights are not the most powerful on the market, but you do get fuel injection, dual disc brakes and a combined cycle mileage of 40+ kmpl which is pretty impressive.
The Honda makes this list because a) The Hornet is a big bike with a tall, upright, riding stance; b) It has a flat seat like the Trigger but unlike the Unicorn which makes for a comfortable riding position; and c) because though it is only 160 cc, the engine is smooth and tractable, which matters on long rides. For such a small engine, it has a decent power band, can be ridden hard and can stay on its toes all day long without showing much strain. In fact, its only when pushed hard that a throaty exhaust note begins to emanate. With the large, fat rear tyre you get excellent grip and the ride quality at low to middle speeds is good. But its performance around corners is truly exceptional. ABS is not available, but Honda does provide a dual braking system called CBS which brakes both tyres if you engage the front brake.
There it is. My take on the top touring bikes in the sub-500 cc category in India. Do you agree with me? Disagree? Have your say by typing in a comment below.
**NOTE: I have used PowerDrift videos not because I'm affiliated with them in any way, but because their reviews are fair and their visuals are very, very good. Pricing data from Maxabout.com.
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| Image Credit: RoadRunner.Travel |
Back in the day, long rides were not for the faint of heart. The only bikes available then were thrummy 100ccs and the occasional 150. Of course, there were Royal Enfields, but the old girls were notoriously unreliable, and very harsh beyond 65 kilo-meters per hour. Not just that, the clutch became harder on the damned things as the hours went by in continuous riding. It wasn’t really a choice.
In theory at least, the great thing about cubic capacity is that the more you have, the more relaxed the engine is. By that logic, bigger bikes can not only reach and maintain higher cruising speeds, they can do it more easily and are therefore better suited to cover large distances. But how much cubic capacity do you need?
Your Bike’s Power Band Explained
Things get a bit technical here, but for all practical purposes the usable power of a bike or car is in what is called the power band. This is usually from a certain RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) level to another RPM level. This power band is when the engine combined with the gearbox is putting out enough power or grunt to be easy to ride. In other words, this is when it is most tractable. Mind you, bikes almost never get in the power band upon launch. They make use of the engine’s torque to get moving. But once they are in the power band, they become easy to ride. Using gear-shifts and the throttle, the rider can maintain a steady momentum and perform the usual manoeuvres such as cornering, stop-and-go and overtaking with confidence and ease.
In most bikes, the power band is the result of a combination of dry weight, engine tuning and gearing: Most of the 100-150 cc bikes sold in India are primarily tuned for economy. In other words, they are designed to extract maximum mileage. This means they have short lower gears and very tall higher gears. Practically speaking, you would have pretty aggressive gearing in 1 and 2 meaning that while the engine pulls very strongly, you can’t stay in these gears for long and would have to shift up. In contrast, the higher gears tend to be very relaxed. The idea is to get you into a higher gear as quickly as possible so the riding can be relaxed and get you better mileage.
Yes, it’s difficult and complicated with smaller capacity bikes. But that alone does not make the case for those expensive high capacity motorcycles. As engine capacity goes north of 400cc, mileage drops below 30 kilometres per litre. Any advantage you would have from the increased power and traction would be lost in the decreased range and higher running costs of a thirsty bike, which incidentally is exactly why the Yamaha RD 350 failed. Of course, this is not a universal law, just one that applies to practical, mileage-conscious, normal people like us.
By this logic, the ideal long distance tourer would be a motorcycle with an engine capacity of 150 to 500 cc, dry weight of 200 kilos or less (since the super heavy Royal Enfields are the hardest to pull out of ditches) and produce between 15 and 50 bhp. This shootout would also automatically exclude bikes with sports tuning such as the KTM Dukes, Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS, 220 DTSi and the TVS Apache series. These are simply too high-strung to be relaxed in highway riding and the riding positions on the bikes are suspect as well.
Mid-Range Long Distance Bike Comparo
3. Royal Enfield Himalayan
Pricing: EX-SHOWROOM DELHI ₹ 1,60,000
Pricing: EX-SHOWROOM DELHI ₹ 1,60,000
Without a doubt, to me this is the bike on this list that is most circumspect. For one thing, Royal Enfield’s build quality is the most circumspect and it is probably the most underpowered vis-a-vis its weight. Having said that, there is almost no comparable bike in this segment in the market today. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is the only bike you can take off road in its stock form for an asking price of 2 lakhs or less. It is also a big step forward for the brand and is better engineered than anything they have offered to date. On the highway, it is smooth but bouncy owing to its soft suspension settings. It has adequate power but just about. The rider sits comfortably though the seats may look high. But all the details disappear once you leave the tarmac, the Himalayan working with the rider hand in hand to deliver an experience we have never had before: The ability to go anywhere. Hence the name.
2. Bajaj Dominar
Pricing: EX-SHOWROOM DELHI ₹ 1,50,000
If you notice, Bajaj has priced the Dominar squarely in Royal Enfield territory and this is no accident. Royal Enfield has carved a niche for itself as a manufacturer of classic styled cruisers and gets away with charging a pretty hefty premium, and Bajaj wants a slice of the action. To be fair, the Dominar comes loaded to the gills with equipment and is much more powerful. The Dominar not only comes with the industry’s first full LED headlight set up and dual channel ABS, it also has excellent paint quality and incredible street presence to boot. The riding position is just right for long rides, the split dual LED instrument cluster is pretty comprehensive and the bike is packed with nice touches such as the ignition which will not engage if the side-stand is down. The engine with its KTM roots has a nice tone to it and has a wide power band. The Dominar will also return a claimed mileage of 35 kmpl.
1. Mahindra Mojo
Pricing: EX-SHOWROOM DELHI ₹ 1,70,000
The Mojo is a bit of a dark horse coming from a relatively unknown player in this segment such as Mahindra, but it has been in development for a very long time and the company has used the opportunity to perfect it as a touring machine. The styling is distinctive starting with the twin headlights, continuing with the twin rib diamond frame and culminating in the only dual exhaust in this shootout. The love-it-hate-it design philosophy features plenty of sharp edges, nicks and ridges and is a major dividing factor on opinion about the bike. That said, the Mojo has all the makings of a great tourer, with its 300cc motor reaching peak torque at an early 5,500 RPM. The ride stays relaxed and comfortable even to its claimed 140+ kmph top speed. Mileage is a bit on the low side at a claimed 30 kmpl. But with the Touring Trim/ package, there isn’t a bike in this segment that comes close in value, comfort or performance.
2. Bajaj Dominar
Pricing: EX-SHOWROOM DELHI ₹ 1,50,000
If you notice, Bajaj has priced the Dominar squarely in Royal Enfield territory and this is no accident. Royal Enfield has carved a niche for itself as a manufacturer of classic styled cruisers and gets away with charging a pretty hefty premium, and Bajaj wants a slice of the action. To be fair, the Dominar comes loaded to the gills with equipment and is much more powerful. The Dominar not only comes with the industry’s first full LED headlight set up and dual channel ABS, it also has excellent paint quality and incredible street presence to boot. The riding position is just right for long rides, the split dual LED instrument cluster is pretty comprehensive and the bike is packed with nice touches such as the ignition which will not engage if the side-stand is down. The engine with its KTM roots has a nice tone to it and has a wide power band. The Dominar will also return a claimed mileage of 35 kmpl.
1. Mahindra Mojo
Pricing: EX-SHOWROOM DELHI ₹ 1,70,000
The Mojo is a bit of a dark horse coming from a relatively unknown player in this segment such as Mahindra, but it has been in development for a very long time and the company has used the opportunity to perfect it as a touring machine. The styling is distinctive starting with the twin headlights, continuing with the twin rib diamond frame and culminating in the only dual exhaust in this shootout. The love-it-hate-it design philosophy features plenty of sharp edges, nicks and ridges and is a major dividing factor on opinion about the bike. That said, the Mojo has all the makings of a great tourer, with its 300cc motor reaching peak torque at an early 5,500 RPM. The ride stays relaxed and comfortable even to its claimed 140+ kmph top speed. Mileage is a bit on the low side at a claimed 30 kmpl. But with the Touring Trim/ package, there isn’t a bike in this segment that comes close in value, comfort or performance.
Honorable Mentions
1) BMW G310R/ TVS Akula
Pricing: EX-SHOWROOM DELHI ₹ 2,50,000 (est.)
BMW’s first foray into the lightweight segment bears mention because they are collaborating with none other than TVS with a view to manufacturing the motorcycle locally and thus keeping costs low. Expect the single cylinder, liquid cooled engine to feature performance, build quality and a riding experience worthy of the BMW name, but also an equivalent TVS at a lower price point just as in the KTM/ Bajaj alliance. BMW promises a state-of-the-art engine with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), counter balances for smoothness and an unconventional engine layout that puts most of the weight near the front wheels. The G310R also features street-fighter styling and a rev happy engine that will spin happily to a staggering 10,500 RPM.
2) Yamaha YZ250
Pricing: EX-SHOWROOM DELHI ₹ 1,19,500Pricing: EX-SHOWROOM DELHI ₹ 2,50,000 (est.)
BMW’s first foray into the lightweight segment bears mention because they are collaborating with none other than TVS with a view to manufacturing the motorcycle locally and thus keeping costs low. Expect the single cylinder, liquid cooled engine to feature performance, build quality and a riding experience worthy of the BMW name, but also an equivalent TVS at a lower price point just as in the KTM/ Bajaj alliance. BMW promises a state-of-the-art engine with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), counter balances for smoothness and an unconventional engine layout that puts most of the weight near the front wheels. The G310R also features street-fighter styling and a rev happy engine that will spin happily to a staggering 10,500 RPM.
2) Yamaha YZ250
The Yamaha makes the list because it is the first one in a long time which has a riding position that is really suited to long rides. It’s power and performance is comparable to the KTM 250 and it is quite sporty off the mark. But then, it settles into a nice rhythm that is more suited to long distance riding. Probably because of its tall gearing at higher speeds, it is not as aggressive in fifth as you’d expect, but the quarter litre still manages to hit north of 140 kmph. No doubt, Yamaha has skimped on equipment to keep the entry point low: ABS is missing and the LED headlights are not the most powerful on the market, but you do get fuel injection, dual disc brakes and a combined cycle mileage of 40+ kmpl which is pretty impressive.
3) Honda Hornet 160r
Pricing: ₹ 85,613 EX-SHOWROOM DELHI
The Honda makes this list because a) The Hornet is a big bike with a tall, upright, riding stance; b) It has a flat seat like the Trigger but unlike the Unicorn which makes for a comfortable riding position; and c) because though it is only 160 cc, the engine is smooth and tractable, which matters on long rides. For such a small engine, it has a decent power band, can be ridden hard and can stay on its toes all day long without showing much strain. In fact, its only when pushed hard that a throaty exhaust note begins to emanate. With the large, fat rear tyre you get excellent grip and the ride quality at low to middle speeds is good. But its performance around corners is truly exceptional. ABS is not available, but Honda does provide a dual braking system called CBS which brakes both tyres if you engage the front brake.
There it is. My take on the top touring bikes in the sub-500 cc category in India. Do you agree with me? Disagree? Have your say by typing in a comment below.
**NOTE: I have used PowerDrift videos not because I'm affiliated with them in any way, but because their reviews are fair and their visuals are very, very good. Pricing data from Maxabout.com.
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