Five exciting used bikes under 40000 rupees!

Hero Karizma

If the P220 is here, can the ZMA be far behind? The Hero Karizma might be old but it still enjoys quite a brand image among the youngsters and the proverbial tourers in the country. Equipped with a 223cc carbureted engine, the ZMA doesn’t enjoy class leading power but what it does boast of is high refinement levels, a good ride-handling bias, and reliability that bikes like P220 can only dream of. For around INR 40000, you can easily get your hands on 2008-2009 model, with around 35000-45000 kms on the odo. However, keep in mind that while the bike is fairly reliable, spares are far from cheap and later models are known for poor plastic quality. Hence, it is advisable to check for cracked plastic panels. Also, make sure that the bike requires no immediate expenses, such as that from clutch plates/chain-sprocket replacement. The Karizma is not perfect and we dare say, even quite dated but it still is a fairly enjoyable product.

TVS Apache RTR160

The smallest bike among the models we’ve discussed so far, the TVS Apache RTR160 is still a very enjoyable bike that delivers strongly on the thrill factor. We advise you to look for 2009/2010 models, with not more than 35000 kms on the odo. The TVS Apache RTR160 boasts of a free-revving engine that is quite a punchy performer, and on the same time delivers respectable fuel efficiency. What’s even better is the fact that TVS has a wide service network and spares are far cheaper than those of the ZMA and in some cases, even the Hunk. The TVS Apache RTR160 weighs just 125 kgs and has a max power of more than 15bhp, which means that the bike enjoys excellent power-to-weight ratio. Upgrade to better quality rubber is highly recommended if you wish to explore this bike’s nimbleness to the fullest. Considerably stylish, peppy, reasonably fuel efficient, and a decent corner carver, that’s Apache RTR160 for you.

Yamaha RX 100

The RX 100 is the smallest and the least powerful bike here. Yet, it is easily the most exciting bikes to have ever been sold in the country. Powered by a 98 cc two-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled motor, the bike enjoyed 11 bhp of max power, along with dry weight of just 95 kgs. The RX 100 spawned many new engine variants, with the most noteworthy being the RX135, which was sold between 1995 and 2001. Also launched was the RXZ. Both had a five-speed gearbox and a Catalytic converter silencer. The final variant was a four-speed RX 135 with a catalytic converter, sporting a fuel gauge and speedometer with white dials. This variant was sold very briefly in 2003. Even though the RX 100 is really old, it still enjoys a good popularity in the tuning circles and has a plethora of parts available in the aftermarket. While we’ve seen prices as high as INR 55,000 for some late 80s model, it still is easy to get your hands on one of these for as less as INR 15,000. A budget of INR 30,000 can fetch you a good example, with no immediate work required.

So, on which one of these used bikes under 40000 rupees have you set your eyes on?