Five sub Rs 1.5 lakh stylish motorcycles for college students

You studied hard this year so that you can impress your father and lay your hands on a brand new set of two-wheels which would grab attention at the new year of the college. In many ways, I envy today’s college going generation for having so many options of ultra-cool motorcycles without dropping a bomb of their parent’s bank account. But which set of wheels would garner most attention without making you spend much of your pocket money? We compile a list of motorcycles that would drag everyone’s attention towards you!

KTM Duke 200

Speak of a pocket rocket and the first name that pops out is the little orange monster that took the Indian two-wheeler market by storm, the KTM Duke 200. One may argue that the Duke 390 or the RC series of motorcycles are more appealing and that does make a good case but being a college student, one may not have deep pockets to pay for heavy petrol bills. Hence, one of the most tempting choices, and a relatively affordable one, is the KTM Duke 200. It’s quick, it’s agile and it’s definitely something that would help you shine out from the crowd. More importantly, the motorcycle has a service interval of 7,000 kilometers which is longer than almost all the motorcycles in the segment.

• Displacement: 199.5cc
• Power Output: 25.3 PS
• Torque Output: 19.2 Nm
• Price: Rs 1.38 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

Bajaj Pulsar RS200

If the streetfighter look does not gain your attention then this faired Indian sibling of the KTM motorcycles is the thing for you. The KTM RC200 is a great piece of machinery for track days but is not very practical for everyday commute. The riding stance mimics Moto3 motorcycles and is aggressive. The Bajaj Pulsar RS200, on the other hand, is more practical for everyday use. The handlebar is relatively high positioned than the RC200 which offers a commuter friendly riding posture. The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 also receives an optional ABS which is about Rs 12,000 dearer than the standard model. Yet, it is more affordable than the RC200.

• Displacement: 199.5cc
• Power Output: 24.5 PS
• Torque Output: 18.6 Nm
• Price: Rs 1.18 lakh – Standard / Rs 1.30 lakh – ABS (ex-showroom Delhi)

Yamaha YZF-R15 V2.0

The Yamaha R15 might be old but it is one of the most fun-to-ride motorcycles that you can buy today. The delta box frame and the riding stance makes it a treat to ride while the sporty design, twin pod headlights and stylish new colours grab more attention than many of the 150cc motorcycles. The 150cc motor is quick and efficient and you would not have to shell out much of money to operate this machine.

• Displacement: 149.8cc
• Power Output: 17 PS
• Torque Output: 15 Nm
• Price: Rs 1.14 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

Suzuki Gixxer 155/Gixxer SF

The Suzuki Gixxer 155 may come across as an underdog at first but put it in motion and you would realise that the motorcycle does justice to the legendary “Gixxer” tag. The motorcycle has a refreshed look, a fancy exhaust and an all digital instrument cluster which gives it a premium look and feel. The engine is peppy and has sufficient power for quick city sprints. And just in case you are a faired motorcycle fan, Suzuki will launch a fully faired variant of the Gixxer 155 very soon!

• Displacement: 154.9cc
• Power Output: 14.8 PS
• Torque Output: 14 Nm
• Price: Rs 83,549 (ex-showroom Delhi)

Royal Enfield Classic 350

If you want a ride that looks mature and is built to last then you have to consider a Royal Enfield motorcycle and what can be better than the Classic 350. Yes, the Royal Enfield Continental GT is a more stylish ride but the absence of a pillion seat will create trouble when you have company. You can add a pillion seat as an accessory but we feel that it would ruin the cafe racer look of the motorcycle.

• Displacement: 346cc
• Power Output: 20 PS
• Torque Output: 28 Nm
• Price: Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

So which motorcycle would you like to buy for the upcoming year of college? Would you like to add some more products to the list? Shoot your ideas and share your opinions with us and fellow riders through the comments section below.