Electronic aids in two-wheelers have evolved leaps and bounds over the past few years. With more sophisticated technologies in place now, these electronic aids not only offer more engaging performance but also ensure a safer riding experience. One of the most desirable features to have in a premium motorcycle is ride modes.
Ride modes basically alter the vehicle’s throttle response, braking, and output from the engine based on either the terrain conditions or the user’s riding pattern. Earlier, ride modes were offered only in selected premium motorcycles. Now with technology more democratised, many mass-market bikes have also started offering multiple ride modes as part of a ride-by-wire pack.
Let us look at the five most affordable motorcycles in India that come with ride-by-wire controlled modes that alter the riding experience of a motorcycle.
Bajaj Pulsar N160
Bajaj Pulsar N160 is the most affordable motorcycle on sale in India currently that comes equipped with ride modes (Road, Rain, and Off-road). This bike is powered by a 164.82cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine developing 15.7bhp of power and 14.65Nm of torque. The motor is mated to a five-speed gearbox.
Price: Rs 1.40 lakh (ex-showroom)
Bajaj Pulsar N250
First launched in late 2021, Bajaj Auto provided a crucial set of updates to the Pulsar N250 in 2024 which included the addition of ABS ride modes — Road, Rain, and Offroad — to the package. The Pulsar N250 is powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled motor which churns out 24.1 bhp and 21.5 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox via a slip and assist clutch.
Price: Rs 1,50,829 (ex-showroom)
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
TVS recently updated the Apache RTR 200 with some key features last week. One of them was ride-by-wire which opened up multiple ride modes such as The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V continues to draw power from a 197.75cc, oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that delivers 20.5 bhp at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 17.25 Nm at 7,250 rpm. This motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch. This engine is now compliant with OBD2B emission norms.
Price: Rs 1,53,990 (ex-showroom)
TVS Ronin
TVS offers two ride (ABS) modes: Rain and Urban, in the Ronin from the mid-spec onwards. Powering TVS Ronin is a 225.9cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine which develops a power of 20.1 bhp and a peak torque of 19.93 Nm. This engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
Price: Rs 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom)
Yamaha R15 V4
Yamaha offers two ride modes with the R15 namely Street and Track. As the name suggests, the Track mode is optimized for performance on race tracks, while Street mode is designed for everyday riding in normal road conditions. Powering the Yamaha R15 V4 is a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve, fuel-injected engine with VVA system that produces 18.1 bhp at 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 14.2 Nm at 7,500 rpm.
Price: Rs 1.85 lakh