2024 has been an amazing year for motorcycle enthusiasts in India with the launch of a few special two-wheelers. Be it from the humble Pulsar N125 commuter to the full-blown BMW R 1200 GS. There have been so many more in the middle as well, and here are our top choices for interesting motorcycles we’ve ridden in 2024 in every segment.
125cc segment – Bajaj Pulsar N125
The 125cc segment saw the mix of style being focused on, and the TVS Raider did it well. Soon, Hero joined with the Xtreme 125R and later came the Pulsar N125, featuring a slimmer, sharper design with its exhaust tucked under its belly. Priced at Rs 93,900 onwards, ex-showroom, the motorcycle is powered by an air-cooled 124cc engine that makes 12bhp and 11Nm of torque with the help of a 5-speed gearbox. Weighing 125kg, the motorcycle gets a digital dash with Bluetooth connectivity as well.
Bi-fuel motorcycle – Bajaj Freedom
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is the first motorcycle in the world to run on CNG, and the commuter has had a positive response from the market. Built ground up with a new chassis that can accommodate the CNG tank under the seat and a new engine that can run on petrol and CNG, the Freedom 125 is a very interesting motorcycle.
With its sleek supermoto styling, disc brakes, alloy wheels, digital instrument cluster, and a seamless transition from petrol to CNG, the Freedom has not compromised safety or features for being on a budget. The engine makes 9.3bhp and 9.7Nm of torque while returning a mileage of over 90kmpl.
250cc segment – KTM 250 Duke
For 2024, KTM updated its range of street nakeds that include the 200 Duke, 250 Duke, and 390 Duke. Amongst the three, the 250 Duke is the most balanced motorcycle for new and experienced riders, as it offers linear performance and the looks to go with it. The 250 Duke got a similar design update as the 390 Duke with larger tank shrouds and later, the TFT instrument console.
The KTM 250 Duke is powered by a liquid-cooled single-cylinder 249cc engine that makes 31bhp and 25Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox. There is a bi-directional quickshifter as standard, along with ride modes and dual-channel ABS, making the 250 Duke great value for money.
400cc segment – Two to choose from
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is a motorcycle to talk about, as Bajaj has managed to squeeze in a 40bhp engine to a package that contains USD forks, disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, an LCD instrument console with phone connectivity, ride modes, and more for Rs 1.85 lakh, ex-showroom. That said, the NS400Z is also a nimble motorcycle and offers performance for the price of a 200cc motorcycle.
Triumph Speed T4
The Speed T4 came as a surprise and what a surprise it is! The same engine as the Speed 400 detuned to make it produce more power at lower revs has made it such a joy to ride. The new Speed T4 also uses telescopic forks, something Bajaj could have thought more about, however, the 30bhp and 36Nm of power delivery from the engine gives it the Triumph character.
Sub 500cc class – Sport or Adventure?
Royal Enfield Himalayan
The Himalayan was a much-anticipated launch and this is what the 411 should have been all along. The upgrades were welcome as the motorcycle is completely new with better suspension and a capable engine. The Showa USD forks do a brilliant job and the new liquid-cooled 450cc engine makes a healthy 40bhp of power, making it a non-intimidating adventure tourer.
Aprilia RS457
For those looking for sportbike fun, look no further than the Aprilia RS457. The fully-faired sub-500cc motorcycle is all new, built ground up, and has the DNA of the larger RSV4 in it. Packed with a long list of electronic aids and a potent twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, the Aprilia RS457 is the most powerful in its class.
600cc Class – Daytona 660
While most manufacturers are cutting down on the number of cylinders, Triumph has kept the count and gone down in capacity. The Trident was the first of these series and the latest is the Daytona, a name that meant focused performance. However, the latest Daytona 660 is not as aggressive as the older 675 but is still a great sports tourer with its inline triple that makes a healthy 94bhp.
800cc Class: KTM 890 Adventure R
While media rides have not commenced, the KTM 890 Adventure R is by far one of the most sought-after adventure motorcycles in the global markets and India finally gets it. The liquid-cooled twin makes 103bhp and 100Nm of torque, it is the way the power is used in conjunction with its equipment that makes it a potent off-roader. The 240mm suspension travel with full adjustability makes the KTM 890 Adventure R the only motorcycle one will need to travel the world.
Litre class above – BMW R 1300 GS
I precisely remember the discussion on these words during the media rides — “Does the world need another GS?” Turns out yes, as the new R 1300 GS is taller, sleeker, lighter, and makes more power, taking its ability to travel the world a notch higher. While the design may be polarising, the capability of the motorcycle and its suite of electronics are the best money can buy.
