The two-wheeler industry may be slow to embrace the latest safety features, but, being such a price-sensitive market, one cautiously takes a step forward. Having said that, safety features are now available in the entry-level motorcycle class. It may not be a standard practice, but top two-wheeler manufacturers like Hero, Bajaj and Yamaha are not equipping budget-friendly motorcycles with the single-channel anti-lock braking system.
The primary function of a single-channel ABS system is to prevent the front wheel from locking during braking, which helps the rider maintain steering control and avoid skidding. By preventing wheel lockup, ABS helps to maintain traction, allowing the rider to manoeuvre around obstacles and reduce the risk of accidents.
Here are the top 5 most budget-friendly motorcycles with single-channel ABS.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 — Rs 1 lakh
Previously, Bajaj Auto used to sell the Platina 110 with ABS, which was the country’s cheapest ABS-equipped motorcycle, but the company decided to shut it down due to low sales. Now, at Rs 1 lakh, the Pulsar NS 125 has replaced its sibling. The Pulsar NS 125 comes with a 124.45cc 4-valve, air-cooled makes 11.8 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 11 Nm at 7,000 rpm. Mated to a 5-speed transmission, the ABS model sports 17-inch tubeless tyres with 240 mm front disc and rear 130 mm drum with Combined Braking System (CBS).
Hero Xtreme 125R — Rs 1.01 lakh
The Xtreme 125R is the most affordable motorcycle with a single-channel ABS in the Hero MotoCorp lineup. It is powered by a 124.7cc air-cooled engine with 11.4 bhp at 8,250 rpm and 10.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, and the ABS model is equipped with a 276mm front disc brake with a 130mm drum brake.
Hero Xtreme 160R — Rs 1.11 lakh
The muscular Xtreme 160R becomes the second Hero motorcycle on our list. It is powered by a 163.2cc air-cooled, 2-valve engine that churns out 14.7 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 14 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Based on the Rubular Underbone Diamond Type frame, it has a 5-speed gearbox. The top model, Xtreme 160R single disc OBD2B, is priced at Rs 1.13 lakh and comes with a rear 220mm petal disc brake, while the standard one has a 130mm drum brake.
Bajaj Pulsar 150 — Rs 1.13 lakh
The Pulsar 150 gets a 149.50cc with an output of 13.8 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 13.25 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The ABS version comes with a 260mm front disc along with 130mm drum brakes at the rear. It comes standard with a USB charging port.
Yamaha FZ FI — Rs 1.18 lakh
The FZ FI has a 149cc air-cooled, 2-valve engine that produces 12.2 bhp at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Mated to a 5-speed gearbox, the Yamaha 150cc motorcycle comes standard with a 282mm front disc brake and a 220 mm rear brake.
