The Suzuki Katana has finally graced the Indian shores after being on sale overseas for a long time. For a litre-class, inline four-cylinder offering, it has been priced quite attractively at Rs 13.61 lakh. However, if you want to consider its alternatives with a similar price tag, here are your options.
The Scrambler 1200, with a price tag of Rs 13.75 lakh, sits closest to the Katana in terms of pricing. It’s quite capable of doing what it is meant for – taking on varied terrain with gusto. The long-travel suspension, high ground clearance, and upright ergonomics make it a capable off-roader while the abundance of electronic aids makes it an equally safe proposition. Propelling the bike is a 1,200cc, twin-cylinder motor that’s good for 89bhp and 110Nm.
Priced Rs 22,000 lower than the Katana is the Aprilia RS 660. Typical of a supersport, it’s quite a focused machine which demands you to sit crouched ahead and wring the throttle hard, only to be rewarded with effortless propulsion to insane speeds. The power and torque output, at 98.59bhp and 67Nm, aren’t mind-numbing but its light kerb weight of 183kg means the power-to-weight ratio is impressive. And just like the Scrambler 1200, the RS 660 too offers a generous amount of electronic wizardry.
Ducati Hypermotard
The Ducati Hypermotard is truly one of its kind - based on the concept of smaller supermotos but with a gigantic 937cc, L-twin motor. Being a Ducati, it brings a host of rider aids to the table but none of the electronics numb down the fun experience that it intends to deliver. When ridden hard, the front and rear wheels constantly struggle to stay grounded while you grin from ear to ear. The Hypermotard comes in two variants – RVE and SP with prices starting from Rs 14 lakh.
Harley-Davidson Forty Eight
For those who crave old-school and torquey twin-cylinder thumpers, Harley-Davidson has the Forty Eight at Rs 13.49 lakh. With minimal bobber-style bodywork and chunky tyres, the Forty Eight looks brash and appealing. In its stock form, it comes with a short tubular handlebar, a single-seat, low-hanging mirrors, and chrome-finished shotgun-style exhausts. With a 1,202cc mill, the motorcycle churns out 65.7bhp and a meaty 96Nm of peak torque.
(All prices are ex-showroom)
