Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is a globally proven technology that has saved several lives. It prevents the wheels from locking up or skidding on sudden braking, thus keep the vehicle under control. With the population of two-wheelers in India growing, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had issued a notification stating that all two-wheelers with a displacement of 125cc and above need to be ABS-equipped. With the mandate deadline set at 1 April 2019, several manufacturers have already updated their product range. Now, with only three months left, a few manufacturers are still yet to launch the ABS-equipped motorcycles. And so, here’s the list of 10 premium motorcycles that are yet to receive the ABS upgrade.
Hero Xtreme Sports
The Xtreme Sports is a 150cc premium commuter motorcycle from Hero MotoCorp that has been positioned below the newly launched Xtreme 200R. The latter is offered with single-channel ABS for the front and a disc brake for the rear as standard. While the Xtreme Sports is already available with a rear disc option, Hero is expected to update the model with the same single-channel ABS unit from the Xtreme 200R. Expect a competitive price hike in to order to keep costs in check.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
The Apache RTR 160 4V belongs to the next generation of Apache models and is powered by a new 160cc motor. TVS already offers dual-channel ABS variants on the previous gen Apache RTR 180 and the Apache RTR 200 4V models, costing roughly Rs 10,000 more over the non-ABS versions. It is expected that TVS might consider introducing the Apache RTR 160 4V with a single-channel ABS version in order to keep costs low.
Hero Karizma ZMR
The Karizma ZMR is Hero’s flagship motorcycle that has been long overdue for a major update. Hero is likely to be working on the ZMR’s successor. Given that the ABS mandate deadline is only three months away, it is quite possible that Hero might discontinue the model for now and directly introduce its successor with modern updates including ABS. Now, whether Hero chooses to be cost-conservative and opt for the single-channel unit from the Xtreme 200R or introduce a dual-channel ABS unit will be only known later.
Yamaha R15 S
The R15 S is Yamaha’s premium 150cc offering that constitutes a healthy portion of sales for the Japanese bike maker. The motorcycle is well-known for its handling, performance and ergonomics. As per the mandate, the R15 S will receive the ABS update shortly, which might be announced during the new product launch scheduled for 21 January 2019.
Yamaha FZ25/Fazer 25
The FZ25 is a popular product in Yamaha’s current portfolio. The Fazer 25 shares its underpinnings with the FZ25 while sporting a fully-faired design up front. Known for its strong torque delivery and agility, the FZ25 and Fazer 25 are favourable premium motorcycles in their segment. Expect both motorcycles to be ABS-equipped shortly.
Yamaha R15 V 3.0
The R15 V3.0 is the latest edition of the R15 series that was introduced first in 2008. The motorcycle has developed a strong fan following and is considered to be one of the most preferred motorcycles to hone one’s riding skills. Featuring disc brakes at both ends, we expect Yamaha to update the R15 V3.0 with single-channel ABS and with an option of dual-channel ABS.
Royal Enfield Classic 350/Bullet 350
The Classic 350 is Royal Enfield’s highest selling motorcycle in its entire range. The Chennai-based company is already in the process of updating its motorcycles with dual-channel ABS beginning with the introduction of the Interceptor 650 Twin and GT 650 Twin. Apart from the Classic 350 and Bullet 350 series, the remaining models and their respective versions have been recently updated with ABS. Expect Royal Enfield to launch the ABS-equipped Classic 350 and Bullet 350 shortly.
KTM RC 200
KTM has recently launched the 200 Duke with single-channel ABS. The update resulted in a price hike of Rs 9000 over the non-ABS version of the motorcycle. Expect the RC 200 to receive the ABS update with the same hike in price before the deadline.
KTM 250 Duke
Slotted between 200 Duke and the 390 Duke, the 250 Duke is a mix-and-match of the former motorcycles. It offers a little more performance than the 200 Duke, and it is also more accessible than the feisty 390 Duke. While the 390 Duke comes with dual-channel ABS, expect the 250 Duke to receive the single-channel ABS unit in order to keep costs in check, as is the case with the recently launched 125 and 200 Duke models.
Mahindra Mojo XT300/UT300
The Mojo is Mahindra’s only premium offering in the two-wheeler market. Offered in two variants XT300 and UT300, the former is the higher-spec version of the two. Since Jawa has recently updated its motorcycles with ABS, we may expect Mahindra to launch corresponding ABS versions for the Mojo soon.
