Although 50,000 Indian rupees might not be enough for you to become a tech slave and buy the new iPhone, it can buy you freedom and it can buy a comfortable commute for you. The amount is enough to experience the charm of the outdoors, it will set you and your nostrils free from smelly armpits, from crowded metal cages which move on rails, the decade long wait you experience for a bus and the practice of pleasing the gods on three wheels for taking you to your destination. There is no escaping this modern day slavery, unless you think of something which will make you enslave others. Until then, for your everyday commute, if there is something you need that serves the purpose of travelling from point A to B and doesn’t cost you anything more than 50,000 rupees, here’s our list of top commuter bikes that you should consider.
Model | Bajaj Discover 100 M | Hero Splendor NXG | Honda Dream Neo | Mahindra Centuro | Suzuki Hayate | TVS Star City | Yamaha YBR 110 |
Engine Capacity (cc) | 102 | 97 | 110 | 107 | 113 | 109 | 106 |
Power (PS) | 9.3 | 7 | 8.25 | 8.5 | 8.3 | 8.3 | 7.6 |
Torque (Nm) | 9.02 | 8 | 8.63 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 8.7 | 7.9 |
No of gears | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Top Speed (kph) | 95 | 90 | 74 | 92 | 95 | 90 | 90 |
Weight (kg) | 114 | 112 | 105 | 120 | 114 | 109 | 126 |
Seat Height (mm) | 795 | 785 | 820 | 800 | 800 | 795 | 780 |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 9.5 | 11 | 8 | 12.7 | 8.5 | 10 | 13 |
Fuel Efficiency (ARAI Figures) kpl | 84 | 65 | 74 | 60 | 69 | 86 | 55 |
Brake Type; Disc (O) | Disc | Drum (O) | Drum | Drum | Drum | Drum | Drum |
Electric Start | Yes | Optional | Optional | Yes | Optional | Yes | Yes |
Alloy Wheels | Yes | (O) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Price (Ex-showroom, Mumbai) | 46,724 | 46,391 | 44,827 | 46,014 | 49,363 | 46,580 | 48,218 |
The Suzuki Hayate wins the war of the CC’s, however, it is the Bajaj Discover 100 M which manages to make more power from its 102 cc engine. The Discover also happens to be the torquiest bike in the list here. All the motorcycles have 4-speed gearboxes, but it is again the Discover that ties with the Suzuki Hayate for the highest top speed award.
The Honda Neo is the lightest bike amongst all the motorcycles here, while the Yamaha YBR is the bulkiest. The YBR also has the biggest fuel tank capacity, but it is the TVS Star City which wins the “Average kitna hai” quiz, closely followed by the Bajaj Discover 100 M. The Discover is also the only bike here to come with electric start and a front disc brake as standard, whereas, most of the others still like beating drums. The Honda Neo happens to be the cheapest bike here, while the other Japanese, the Suzuki Hayate will cost you  Rs 5,000 more.
If you need to decide which one of these should you buy, the Honda Dream Neo and the Splendor NXG are pretty basic in comparison to the others. However, these proven and popular products will delight you with their robust engineering. The Bajaj Discover 100 M offers the most bang for the buck and is packed with features. It makes the most amount of power and also promises a higher fuel-efficiency figure. It is the unpredictable product strategy of Bajaj which makes many feel skeptical about discovering this product. The Mahindra Centuro is the newest entrant in the list and has features which could even put a car to shame, while the TVS Star City is a robust product, offers great mileage, is well built and that smooth motor will win many hearts. The Suzuki Hayate and the Yamaha YBR 110 are the priciest of the bikes in the list here, which is surprising, considering they are marginal players in this segment. However, these products willl appeal to fans of the brand, who have heard, know or dream about their bigger bikes.
Dear sir, I have purchased Mahindra Centuro O1 bike on 30th Oct 2014. I have done 3 services also, still I am getting 40 KMPL average, can you please help me as I have also taken the bike on a loan. I am fucked from everywhere. Totally dissatisfied.
Mahindra Centuro is the best! i own it and love it.. good features, affordable price and stylist looks!
dear sir
Thank You,
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good article, might be of mighty use for many indians. 🙂