Being in the Automotive Journalism profession for five years
now I have often come across this frequently asked question. Be it on social
media pages or in the discussion forums that "what is the best and the
most affordable Indian motorcycles for Touring?"
Now I already have explained in my few of the previous posts
that I am a considerable Automobile fanatic myself and love to explore new
places on the motorcycle. So I often asked the same question to myself what
defines a perfect touring machine. Something which is comfortable, something
which is reliable and something which fits in our budget and can be easily
fixed with minimum tools and kit right? Trust me when I say this because India
has many remote places where it is hard to get a proper mechanic, and thus you
don't end up getting stranded.
So are the above mentioned traits are the only qualities
that defines a perfect touring machine or there is something more to it? To be
quite honest I do accept that a Touring motorcycle should get a comfortable
suspension which can soak up some bumps to provide maximum comfort to the rider
while it should also have plenty of modern electronics like ABS and traction
control to keep the riders safe. However, we are talking about budget-friendly
Indian touring motorcycles, and thus it will be better if we skip the safety
part (Pun Intended).
So I will try to answer all your questions here and also
provide you with the list of top 5 Budget friendly Indian Motorcycle suitable
for touring.
BAJAJ PULSAR NS200
The NS200 has to be the cheapest motorcycle on this list.
Bajaj stopped its production in India the demand for this bike has once again
forced Bajaj to bring it into production. The NS200 although is a streetfighter
trust me that engine is one of the most influential engines in the Bajaj Lineup
after of course, the Dominor launched back in 2016.
Make some slight modification to the seat and add an
aftermarket windshield and the NS200 can inevitably become a worthy Tourer. The
NS200 gets a liquid cooled 199.5 cc unit which produces enough power and torque
to satisfy your basic needs. Offcourse this cannot be compared to big touring
machines, but it does meet all your requirements without burning a hole in your
pocket. The good news is also that the newer variant does offer a single
channel ABS as well which definitely can be a lifesaver in a tricky situation.
ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 350
The Classic 350 has to be the favorite choice amongst the
Indian folks who are looking for a budget-friendly Cruiser. Available in both
350 and 500 cc variants this retro-styled Cruiser does offer a sturdy chassis
which can surely handle any terrain. The comfortable saddle for the rider also
helps especially during long tours while the 350 cc mill may be old but
supplies enough power and torque to take it anywhere even along with a pillion
and luggage.
However, when it comes to reliability well this motorcycle
can sometimes make you sweat, but the good part is that almost every mechanic
in any parts of the Country is well acquainted with this machine while there
are plenty of Royal Enfield service centers on nearly every corner of the
Country.
ROYAL ENFIELD THUNDERBIRD
Prices: starts from Rs. 1.57 Lakh onward
A True Blue budget cruiser with comfortable seats, stretched
handlebars offering proper cruiser riding stance, the Thunderbird packs all the
modern amenities that one needs like projector headlamps. Oh and duel discs
setup. Available in both 350 cc as well as 500 cc variants just like the
Classic Cruiser the Thunderbird surely is a comfortable motorcycle which can munch
up some miles.
Just add a windscreen at the front and escape from the
windblasts on the highways and this motorcycle can become your sole partner for
long rides across the Country. Although it lacks ABS and all other modern
amenities that other modern high-end cruisers offers but for under 2 Lakhs I
can surely tell you that there is no other motorcycle which can roam into its
territory.
ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN
Prices:starts from 1, 55, 542 Ex-showrom, Pune.
A budget-friendly adventure tourer with a minimalistic
approach and has been built for the purpose. These are the few words which
define the Himalayan. Although this motorcycle failed to make an impression
because of the many technical difficulties that this bike faced. For those who
are looking to travel somewhere where the Tarmac gives out on you, the
Himalayan will surely take you there.
Royal Enfield recently introduced the BSIV variant as well
in the Indian market and unfortunately it still has not received an ABS which
is a big disappointment. However, keeping all the other facts aside from the RE
Himalayan surely is one good Adventurer tourer which does not mind getting
dirty. For a price point below the 2 Lakh market, the Himalayan surely does not
have any competition.
BAJAJ DOMINOR
The newest member of the Bajaj family is the Dominor, and
this also happens to be their flagship offering. The most significant strength
of Dominor is its pricing, priced well under 2 Lakh Rupees the Bajaj Dominor
offers a lot of modern equipment like dual channel ABS, Slipper clutch, and
full LED headlamp. However, this cannot be called a proper tourer because it
lacks an appropriate windscreen and also gets a smaller fuel tank which may not
be ideal for touring long distance. However what it does offer is a plush ride
quality and comfort of traveling long distance without hurting your back.
Powered by a 373 cc mill this has to be the most potent
motorcycle on our list which is also available well below the 2 Lakh price
bracket.
To be quite honest I am neither promoting Bajaj nor Royal
Enfield products, and there are few other motorcycles in the lineup which also
offers a touring comfort. However, these are few motorcycles which are mostly
used by most of the riders while making long trips and this list is based on
few of the feedbacks that I have collected from those motorcyclists who ride
for long distances.
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