Top 6 most affordable motorcycles with ABS
Anti-lock braking system, better known as ABS, is a safety feature which prevents a motorcycle’s wheel from locking up during braking. The system kicks in whenever the application of brakes leads to a loss of traction in the wheel, significantly reducing the probability of a crash. While racers scoff upon the idea of having ABS on their race bikes, ABS is widely regarded as a life saver for the rest of us. The government has already recognised this, and the regulation requiring ABS to be standard on all motorcycles above 150cc will be enforced from April 2018. Until then, here are the top six most affordable ABS-equipped motorcycles that you can buy right now -
TVS Apache RTR 180
TVS has always been at the forefront when it comes to making technology available to the masses. Back in 2011, the Apache RTR 180 became the first Indian motorcycle to get ABS as an option, and it still is the most affordable motorcycle to get this safety feature. Apart from preventing the wheels from locking up, this ABS also gets an RLP system which prevents the rear wheel from lifting off the road under heavy braking. Priced at Rs 88,257 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the ABS version is Rs 11,000 more expensive than the standard Apache RTR 180 which makes it a good value for money proposition.
Bajaj Pulsar RS200
The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is like a sugar-free desert. Yes, it does get an ABS system but being a single-channel cancels out some of its advantages. A cost-cutting measure, the Bosch single-channel ABS unit works only on the front wheel. While we wish Bajaj would have gone the whole hog and offered a dual-channel system, something is definitely better than nothing. The ABS version of the Pulsar RS200 retails at Rs 1.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) which is Rs 12,000 pricier than the standard bike.
Honda CBR250R
What sets the Honda CBR250R apart from the other motorcycles in this list is its Combined ABS system. Offering the best of both worlds (CBS and ABS), this system actuates both the front and rear brakes in an electronically defined proportion to prevent locking. This being a more sophisticated system, Honda does charge a premium for the C-ABS, Rs 30,000 more than the standard bike. While there are myriads of versions available, the most affordable CBR250R C-ABS retails at Rs 1.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
KTM 390 Duke
The KTM 390 Duke redefined our perception of speed when it was launched here in 2013. Considering the performance it dishes out, it would have been dangerous if KTM hadn’t offered the bike with ABS. And yet for those who dislike this intrusion, you also get the option to switch it off. The 390 Duke gets ABS as standard, and is priced at Rs 1.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). In case you are not very fond of streetfighters, you can also opt for the supersports version – the RC390 ABS for an additional Rs 18,000.
Harley-Davidson Street 750
The Harley-Davidson Street 750 is the company’s highest selling motorcycle in India. Though its lucrative price tag did win the favour of the audience, braking has always been its Achilles heel. While this had been taken care of in the 2016 MY update, the Harley-Davidson recently went a step further and introduced an ABS system. The 2017 Street 750 is Rs 40,000 more expensive than the model it replaced, though this also includes the price of few other updates.
Benelli TNT 600i
The Benelli TNT 600i is the highest selling middleweight in the Indian market. And if the inline four sound track wasn’t enough to lure customers to the showrooms, Benelli recently launched the ABS version at Rs 5.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Though it is Rs 30,000 pricier than before, the benefits of this safety feature and the relatively small percentage of the bump in sticker price make it well worth the extra money.
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Top 6 most affordable motorcycles with ABS
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