Royal Enfield Bullet 350 BS6: What else can you buy?

Royal Enfield’s longest-running model, the Bullet 350, is BS6-compliant now. The update has hiked the cost of the motorcycle by around Rs 9,000 and now it is priced from Rs 1.28 lakh to Rs 1.37 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom), depending on the variant. Although the Bullet is irreplaceable because of its iconic heritage, if you’re looking for its similarly-priced alternatives, here’s what the list looks like. 

Suzuki Intruder 

While the Bullet can be used for long-distance cruising, if you want a bike for the same purpose but in a modern avatar, the Suzuki Gixxer fits the bill. Touted as the modern cruiser, the Gixxer offers laid-back ergonomics along with a smooth 155cc, fuel-injected engine which is also utilised by the Gixxer and Gixxer SF. Moreover, the Intruder also sports an unconventional and bold styling with features such as a full-digital console.

KTM 125 Duke

In this price range, one can also opt for a naked street bike such as the KTM 125 Duke. While it carries a design identical to the previous-gen 200 Duke, it also packs components which are way premium for a 125cc bike. Based on a steel trellis frame along with WP suspension and aluminum swingarm, the 125 Duke is perfect to hoon around in the city. It is also high on features with LCD display and full-LED lighting. 

Yamaha MT 15

Competing closely with the KTM 125 Duke is yet another street bike, the Yamaha MT 15. It sports a radical styling with predator eyes-like headlamp and an aggressive overall stance. However, the main USP of the MT 15 is its 155cc, liquid-cooled, engine which gets VVA (variable valve actuation) for an unmatched performance along with a six-speed gearbox. With the BS6 update, Yamaha has also introduced a swanky white paint scheme for the MT 15.

Yamaha YZF R15 V3

If you desire the MT 15’s VVA-equipped power-packed engine in a sporty package, the YZF R15 V3 is where your search should end. Although it utilizes the same engine as its MT sibling, it is tuned differently for delivering better top-end. Unlike the MT 15’s conventional clutch, the R15 also gets a slipper clutch for preventing the hopping of rear wheel while aggressive downshifting. Moreover, the presence of dual-channel ABS makes it much safer. 

Suzuki Gixxer SF

Now, the Suzuki Gixxer SF is also a fully-faired motorcycle but it offers comfortable ergonomics as compared to the R15, with a raised clip-on handlebar and slightly forward-set footpegs. In terms of performance, although it is not as powerful as the R15, the Gixxer SF is still potent with a smooth-running 155cc, air-cooled engine. Suzuki had updated the Gixxer last year with its new-age design. While it looks attractive in the standard form itself, the MotoGP edition looks further eye-catchy.