Coming out of the house with 75K budget, but still confused whether to go in for which bike that will give you out of the box performance then here is your guide, to narrow down the many choices. We often get queries on which executive class bike to choose from 150 to 180 cc segment, with almost all makers offering the same features and functionalities on nearly the same budget.
To start lets cut the ribbon with the Bajaj Pulsar 180 and Hero Honda Hunk, later we can move to the stunning new Dazzler, GS 150 R by Suzuki and not to forget TVS Apache RTR 160 and last but not the least Yamaha FZ16.
Looks
Looks play a major role in India apart from speed and performance. With almost every manufacturer offering something new and distinctive the race for better looks has always attracted Indian bike designers.
Sporty looks and ferocious aerodynamics are appreciated and even get a better response; therefore every maker has put striking efforts in developing the same. Yamaha FZ16 is the naughty wrestler in this segment with massive tires which has gained a lot of response from Indian buyers. The designs to the utmost have been inspired from FZ1. Muscular styling, finely engineered suspension acts simply as a USP for this Yamaha baby. This spoiled child of Yamaha flaunts a classy looks of being much bigger than advertised. Since the launch of Apache the 160 cc bike, the Chennai based manufacturer knows what is needed more in a bike by Indian taste. With minor upgrades and facelifts in the overall engine this TVS delivers just above the average in terms of looks. This bike can be categorized in the segment of Bikini Fairing. GS 150 R has got sports looks which is very much identical to Suzuki’s Global super sports bike. With sharper shaped tank, minutely placed headlamp and finer tail section this is the bike for Buyers who prefer bull more than a horse. Dazzler is a signature styled bike for Honda as it reflects the future generation bikes from Honda. Earlier version Sober Unicorn has been taken to the next level by the launch of this bike. Anyways Honda’s effort has not been laid waste but has succeeded just like Dhoni’s team in World cup finals. Hunk lacks nowhere behind in the race for looks, as the name suggests, it reflects well built personality. Hunk and Hulk not only sounds similar but even flaunts similar features of being hefty in size and flaunting a neat muscular built. This bike with no doubt is for all the big players who happen to spend a lot of time working out in the GYM in order to match with the looks of this bike.
Last on the list is Pulsar 180 which is one of the best sporty machines, which created a revolution in the Indian biking industry. This charismatic effect of Pulsar lasted for almost through out a decade. This bike from its initial years offers nothing great. Talking about the bike I’ll give this bike 5 out of ten in terms of look. Hero Honda Hunk deserves at least 6 out of ten. Going for GS 150R even this bike can attain 6. Dazzler and TVS should get 7 and the most deserving and number one on the chart buster is Yamaha FZ16 which I would rank 9 out of ten.
Ride and handling
In order to get a sporty feel and ride experience Bajaj has given its pulsar 180, handlebars clip, toe oriented gear shifter and 2 piece stepped seat. Even though Gas charged rear shocks do not perform much looking at the seats it you won’t find it much attractive and practical for long rides. Body vibrations at higher RPMs cannot be ignored. 180’s grab rails have been inspired by 220 which are not of much utility. Going for the Hunk you can get a tucked in feeling with the massive fuel tank that has got craftsmanship well sculpted knee recess. With scoops seats the rider can get all the comfort cushions that can get him a stress free ride experience. Shorter side handlebar and rear based foot pegs are some strong USPs of this bike. Honda Unicorn Dazzler the 150 cc has got upright riding position and foot pegs which are placed to the reclining forward direction. Single piece scooped seats brings down the overall rating as it lacks comfort. Sturdy character of Yamaha FZ16 gives an impact on its presence. Single piece handle bar makes the rider a feel of driving a High end sports bike none other than FZ1. Shifting pattern you can find a few negatives on the Grab rail which has very minimum utility as it is placed near to your bottom. Small mirrors give less command on the oncoming traffic. Detailing the Apache 160 you can find very impressive ride quality that can give you the performance of sports bike. Ergonomics is very finely taken car of in this TVS. With stiffer gas shocks at the rear your ride can be a little jerky but that gets covered up when you see the cornering and the overall ride that the bike offers to its rider. This bike is a complete no no for tall riders because of its sitting looks and low height. For all tall riders GS 150R is the right option. With an upright and hassle-free riding posture that the bike offers surely gives you the feel of an executive one. Huge tank, broader seats are some features that make this bike stand out in this segment. Talking about the ride quality which these bike offer I would like to give Pulsar, Hunk, RTR160 and FZ16 5 out of ten. Suzuki GS comes second on the list with six points from my side and number one on the list is Dazzler which I would an impressive figure of 8 out of ten.
Coming to handling Dazzler with its futuristic designs receives much more enhanced chassis as compared to other bikes. This bike gives superior control on almost any type of road. With impressive response from the Hydraulic rear disc brakes you can be assured of some over exceptional stopping power. FZs handling is like icing on the cake without which the cake is incomplete. FZ is known for its overwhelming handling efficiency that gives tremendous control even at higher speeds and almost on any road conditions. The monoshock rear suspension in Yamaha FZ and Honda Dazzler is truly a challenge when it comes to offer bike in this price segment. Although in India Mono suspension is not that sought after features but the attractive color schemes used on Mono suspension makes it more appealing to Indian masses. All the other contenders are almost alike with same handling response and control. Pulsar definitely is in for the city commuters but looking for par handling performance you will find this bike below the performance level. Rear Hydraulic disc brake for the hunk is something which was unwanted because this bike almost doesn’t respond up to the mark while weaving through the traffic. Apache RTR lacks when it comes to handling because of the rigid suspension and smaller wheelbase but cornering and throttle response gives this some very awe-inspiring ratings.
Talking from the handling point of view Honda CB Dazzler and Yamaha FZ16 shares the first prize with 9 out of 10 points. Hero Honda Hunk, Bajaj Pulsar 180, TVS RTR 160 and Suzuki GS almost give the same response therefore can be given 8 out of ten points.
Performance
Pulsar 180 has the biggest power plant that generates more power and torque as compared to other contenders in the ring. This bike is also the quickest to arrive from naught to 60 kmph in pretty 4.98 sec. roll on figures from 30 to 70 kmph on fourth gear is 11.77 sec. With a top speed of 117.5 kmph this bike can make you talk with winds. TVS Apache RTR 160 performs something above the mark that is with this power it can almost compete with the 180 cc Bajaj pulsar. This bike can easily chase, naught to 60 kmph in 5.04 sec. Roll on speed on fourth gear as per the marked record is 8.92 sec. Other bikes features the same power plant but its curb weight, aerodynamics and other parts make a huge difference in the overall performance of the bike. Dazzler has received a massive power pulling engine but when it comes to the gear response this is where the bike lacks. Talking about the gear system Hunk performs very well in this field but when it comes to power the bike lacks behind. Hunk can accelerate a top speed of 107.6 kmph while the Dazzler can attain much more that equals up to 118.18 kmph. Zero to 60 can be easily attained with full acceleration in 5.45 sec. and hunk can perform this much by almost 5.08 sec. FZ 16 is one such bike that gives you tremendous handling, looks but when it comes to the performance chart it stands a lot behind in the queue. Naught to 60 can be accelerated in almost 5.51 sec. The roll on figures of 30 to 70n kmph can be achieved in 9.2 sec. Another 150 cc bike GS 150 R is the heaviest bike and therefore you can expect it to be a little softer on roads. 0 to 60 kmph can be easily attained within 5.56 sec. This Suzuki has got a top speed of 108 kmph.
Considering the performance I would like to give Bajaj Pulsar 10 out of 10. Second on the chart from my point of view will be Hero Honda Hunk and TVS RTR scoring 8. FZ lacks tremendously behind in this chart.
Fuel Efficiency
Indian Buyers have always focused on Fuel efficiencies on a grand scale. Rs 60,000 to 75,000 have always been the perimeter in which, economical performance bike are categorized in India. With this review you can have somewhat idea of what type of bike you are looking for and which one will be easy on your pocket as well. As the proverb says ‘penny saved is a penny earned’, this can only be done by buying fuel efficient bikes. With road test on all road conditions, we have come to the following interesting conclusion. Suzuki GS150R this Japanese monster gives its user good fuel efficiency of 59.75 kmpl. With its ultimate Sixth gear USP this bike is the best cruising bike on the Indian roads until now. This astounding figure is possible only because of six gears and fuel efficient engines from Suzuki. Second on the merit would be none other than Japanese maker Honda. Honda Dazzler has come up with a figure of 55.70 kmpl. This is not al all bad considering other 150 cc bikes. Indian players Bajaj and Hero Honda have managed to again the third position by delivering 51 kmpl with Pulsar 180 and Hunk 150. Apache RTR missed the third place with a slight difference of 1 kmpl. 50 kmpl is what this first-rate performing bike delivers to its audience. Last on this race is the 150 cc Yamaha FZ16 that delivers 43.5 kmpl even with such massive tires at the rear and extraordinary suspension.
Knowing the fact in this rising fuel price generation, Suzuki stands out as a ruler in this segment, gaining 10 out of 10 points. Then Dazzler turns up with astonishing 9 points. RTR Hunk and Bajaj pulsar 180 having 8 out of ten and finally with 6 points Yamaha FZ 16 pretty lacks in this segment.
Final Verdict :
coming to the final judgment selecting the best one out of all the above combatants is quiet a difficult task. But as it is a ring, a single contender has to win and the winner is Honda Dazzler. Another reliable bike is TVS Apache RTR160, with sporty ride experience this bike is for the one who loves speed above all, great styling and out of the box performance gives this bike exceptional character. Dazzler is truly the best choice, with good resale value, performance and handling. Going in for the auto parts Dazzler has good network of suppliers as well. Bajaj’s offering of 180 cc bike in the price of 150 has not gained it many points. Yamaha has been proved once again wrong with FZ16, that is looks is not the only factor for Indian buyers although this bike offers good resale value, design, outstanding cornering and handling. Suzuki GS 150R comes at the bottom with bad response from Indian consumers. Its miracle of monster looks; six gears didn’t impress much for Indian buyers.
May 2, 2011 at 5:39 pm
i want to buy a bike with 150cc as fallow new hh hunk & honda dazzler which is value for mony bike,if you suges me any other bike so plz and also tell the actual milage of new hh hunk in city.
May 3, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Go for the Honda Dazzler and mileage would depend on your riding habits. Ideally both the bikes would deliver around 45 kmpl. Have a look at the Hero Honda CBZ-X also.
July 29, 2011 at 8:18 am
plz don’t buy honda dazzler its battery life is too worst
August 29, 2011 at 4:07 pm
ok u said the truth
August 26, 2011 at 10:56 am
Honda dazzler production has stopped. Nobody knows why. Since Aug 2011, dazzler is not available in showrooms. Next batch of dazzler expected in 2012 only. Anyway, without kickstart, dazzler was not selling. Maybe new dazzler will get kickstart.
August 29, 2011 at 4:12 pm
they are trying to reduce the cost so they are using cheap quality materials like battery and other things .it leads to many running problrms to their brand new vehicles.dear friends check it with ur friends who are using the new CB Unicorn (Not old unicorn it is good bike )or Dazler
May 10, 2011 at 5:36 pm
NEW muscle HUNK is the best..
May 20, 2011 at 4:27 pm
which bike is best the newer honda dazzler or honda cbz
May 26, 2011 at 12:11 pm
The Hero Honda CBZ has been recently revamped and hence it can be called the newer one.
May 22, 2011 at 9:02 am
FZ will be a right choice because it has a foreigner look which gives proud and honour to our dignity.Its milage is about 43-45 kmpl. So it is a best choice to take FZ
May 24, 2011 at 9:24 am
honda dazzler is a best bike in india road but i am confused to buy honda daz or apa 160 plz help me
May 26, 2011 at 12:22 pm
The Dazzler is a better bet looking at the overall feel of the bike.
September 24, 2011 at 4:56 am
apache 160 rtr is best
June 10, 2011 at 10:02 pm
TVS APACHE 160 IS THE BEST
June 18, 2011 at 8:35 am
honda unicorn dazzler is the best because only speed is never a good choice
August 25, 2011 at 5:20 pm
ur rite buddy…
June 23, 2011 at 5:51 pm
if u rly wnt 2 enjoy da speed u bettr buy a bajaj pulsar…….
bt 4 ovr all perfrmnce yamaha fz is a good option….
an awsm bike with a joy of best hendling.
July 3, 2011 at 8:19 am
i am going to purchace a unicorn dazzler.
July 3, 2011 at 11:21 am
i love suzuki gs 150 bike its awsome
July 3, 2011 at 2:21 pm
emm,,i have a done so many tests with the above said bikes except suzuki gs and dazzler,,i would like to share my experience
LOOKS- for looks ,from most people i have surveyed said FZ is the best. girls favour it most,so if u r a wealthy(coz mileage is not a concern for him) person ,havin a gf, fz is ur bike.. second on the list is the new hero honda hunk,its not so common bike like the fz and hence is for distinct persons.apaches and pulsars have same weit in terms of looks.
HANDLING-from the varying conditions where i made the test drives,the bike which handles best is the apache rtr 160.you can just wave this bike through the traffic.speed lovers would love this one. but its only a slight ahead of fz,wer fz lacks is the cornering. i mean its not as good as apache. for an average safety consious rider(speed likers excluded) hunk is the best. pulsars emm not upto the mark.
MILEAGE-of the lot ,one which can give you maximum mileage(if ride in economic mode) is the hunk. HUNK-56,RTR-52,PULSAR-50,FZ-46
if you are not driving within 50kmph,then all these bikes give different mileages according to the tone you drive and the above said order wont be the order
LONG DRIVES- HUNK is the best,followed by FZ,PULSAR,RTR
FINAL VERDICT-
FOR RICHIES AND STYLISHED DUDES-
YAMAHA FZ
FOR SPEED LOVERS AND ANDRENALIN RUSH-RTR 160
FOR AN AVERAGE ALL ROUNDER-HERO HONDA HUNK
FOR COMMON MAN-PULSARS
)
(NB:opinion experessed here are purely based on my view and experience and wont be same with all,. HAPPY BIKING AND BE SAFE
July 5, 2011 at 10:29 am
For long rides at high speed and decent city ride, GS150r is the best.
For easy handling and turning and good style, Fz is the best.
For easy-handling and decent power, dazzler. But dazzler seating posture is stupid without rearset footpegs. Dazzler should get rear-set footpegs like honda RR150 and CBF150SF in china.
For speed with decent handling, Apache is best. Here i feel RTR180 is better.
For family bike, hunk, unicorn, Gs150r, CBz, all suitable for tall guys above 5′ 8″.
For slightly shorter guys, pulsar and apache.
For lightweight easy handling city bike for family, yamaha SZ-R, requires less gear changes, but lacks top-speed.
July 30, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Good, accurate and well justified listing.
July 12, 2011 at 9:30 am
Hi,
Next month em planning to buy a bike in the 150 – 180cc sector..So em now in dilemma about RTR 160 or pulser 180..Can anyone please suggest which is the better option for me..
I currently work for a MNC and i do not love to ride bike speeds above 50-60 kmph..em 5.8″tall..talking to my friends and collegues i have got mixed opinions about both the bikes..please confirm as which one buy stating pro’s and con’s of both the bikes..
regards,
Dhananjay
July 13, 2011 at 12:08 pm
It should be the P180 considering your requirements.
July 13, 2011 at 2:10 pm
i am 5’6″ tall…i wld like to ride 50-60 kmph…i want economical bike… cn ny one suggest me???… apache rtr 160 or pulsar???
August 26, 2011 at 10:17 am
Apache will b better……………….the single disc one …………
it will give u a cmfrtable ride @ 50-60 km\hr…….
nd a super bost and a trottle at 120- 134km\hr……..
it has a pick up 0-40km in 4.5 sec
WIC PULSAR CAN’NT
so go for APACHE RTR 160 (SINGLE DISC)
July 26, 2011 at 6:06 am
rtr 160 is the best !!!!!
July 28, 2011 at 6:50 am
rtr 160 is best than all the bike above
July 30, 2011 at 3:25 am
i am 5’4″ . i want to purchase bike of 150cc segment. can any one suggest. which bike is go better to me in height .
August 3, 2011 at 8:17 pm
i think dazzler is the rocking bike. i have bought it. it is better than any other bike in 150cc segment
August 6, 2011 at 4:21 am
Hi friends.I want buy a 150 cc bike like dazzler,new cbz extrem,unicorn,hunk.i confuse please tell me whish one is better please please please it is my first bike my height 5’7″ya 8″ k karib.
August 8, 2011 at 11:40 am
Don’t worry about height, you can look good in any bike given how well you ride.
August 6, 2011 at 5:13 am
TVS APACHE 180 IS THE BEST for my mind .///////
August 6, 2011 at 11:17 am
apache rtr is best bike……….good milege………buy only apache………..say to no other
August 7, 2011 at 10:04 am
I have purchased sports bike, apache rtr 180, pulsar dtsi 180, which bike is best? for milege,looks,comfortabel or hard…
August 8, 2011 at 11:36 am
Both the bikes are good and have excellent reviews.
September 6, 2011 at 11:46 am
i am willing to buy a 150-180cc bike
i want mileage around 40-55 as i need to go 40 km daily that too in city
looks are also an important concern to me as i need the bike for going college
can any one help me please
i am confused between dazzler, fz ,and apache 160/180
August 8, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Considering everything I would suggest HONDA DAZZLER..I have been using it for last one year..It is too good..simply irresistible…its handling and performance comparing mileage is absolutely awesome..I had Pulsar but its sound breaks after one year and mileage gets poorer day by day..just rely on Honda engine..it is superb!!!!
August 9, 2011 at 9:48 am
apache rtr is best bike……….good milege………buy only apache………..say to no other
August 9, 2011 at 12:21 pm
the new stylish eye catcher is,all new cbz-xtreme..moreover,stability is gud 4 cbz becaz of morekerb wt.(149kg)…
it also comes with rear disc..
and much more features..
cbz,hunk and fz are least complaint bikes in this catagory…
cbz got a mileage of 50(city),58(highway)….
so,i opt hh king-cbz…
and,i’m proud 2 b d owner of this king…
August 9, 2011 at 3:11 pm
******REAL TRUTH*****
winner is pulsar 180
best value of money
more upgraded and smoother than old editions
good accleration and top speed – avg 45 milge in city
beats all other bikes in real world with looks and speed
and next place is FZ
August 12, 2011 at 9:09 am
I love pulsar 150 because it is super fast bike and good looking no tension bike
August 12, 2011 at 7:31 pm
i think if one has to rely on quality, then go for honda dazzler
August 14, 2011 at 11:05 am
Hi friends!
All the bikes mentioned above are good but Honda Dazzler is something different. I have driven almost althe bikes mentioned all the bikes (150cc) but Honda Dazzler is different. Almost no maintenence and smooth driving and have better control even at 80 kmph. No vibration at higher speed unlike of RTR and hunk.
August 29, 2011 at 1:23 pm
I agree with u. Upto 55 speed its like riding car. Very smooth. Its really unique bike
August 16, 2011 at 2:45 am
apache rtr 160 is the best bike compare to all other bikes its superb i have apache rtr 160 since 1 year no mantainence just petrol in fuel tank
August 26, 2011 at 8:25 am
Apache RTR180 is better option, it is slightly longer, has rear disc, and tubeless tyres. Mileage is also 40-45, depending on riding style.
August 19, 2011 at 12:22 pm
pulsar 180 is the best bike……
i loved it….
August 25, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Hello to everyone………
I am planning to purchase a bike in next 2-3 days. My budget is of about 75,000INR, and am a college going guy. My requirements are:
1)Good looking commuter,
2)good performance,
3)low maintenance cost,
3)decent mileage(about 40-50kmpl would be OK),and,
4)good pick-up(I have been using my Mum’s scuty(Bajaj Spirit) for about 6 months,its pick-up really sucks!!!!).
I have been confused between Apache RTR 160 and pulsar 150 dts-si.
I dont like Yahama bikes,personally, and HH Hunk & CBZ-Xtreme dont have kick. That looks a bit odd to me!!!!(I have always driven bike with kick,i.e. splendor, Kickless would make me uncomfortable.) Please help me to get out of this dilemma!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 24, 2011 at 4:52 am
apache rtr is best…….
September 5, 2011 at 7:40 am
YAMAHA SZ-R
153cc Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC Engine
Yamaha SZ-R Mileage: Approx 50KMPL
Yamaha SZ-R Price in India: Rs. 55,000/- Ex-Showroom Delhi Price
153cc Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC Engine
Bore & Stroke: 58.0 × 57.9 mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Maximum power: 12.1PS / 7,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 12.8N.m / 4500 rpm
Electric Start
Clutch type: wet, multiple disc
Battery: 12 V, 5 AH (10 AH)
Headlight: Halogen bulb (12 V, 35/35 W)
Tranmission type: 5 gear constant mesh
Frame type: Diamond
Front suspension: Telescopic
Rear suspension: Swingarm
Front brake: Drum(150 mm)
Rear brake: Drum (130 mm)
Front tyre: 2.75-17 41P
Rear tyre : 100/90-17 55P
Overall length x width x height: 2,050mm x 730mm × 1,100mm
Kerb Weight: 132 kg
Wheelbase: 1,320mm
Minimum ground clearance: 165mm
Fuel tank capacity: 14 liters
Seat Height: 802 mm
September 26, 2011 at 7:09 am
I think Apache RTR FI 160/180ABS is BESSSSSST Selection than Pulser 180 or honda Unicorn.
September 15, 2011 at 8:52 pm
I had soldout my Pulsar 150cc a week back after riding it for 6 years and wanna have new bike but em confused btwen cbz-xtrm,yamaha fazer,Plsr-dtsi.
As I feel in pulsar-it is in same look only the style of logo and name changed.
2)-v.v.v.v.v.v. high maintainence required
3)v.v.v.v..v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v costly spares in compaire to HERO Motocorp,
4)spares are almost out of stock in bajaj
5)No life of exauster & chain spoket
now suggest me bykes which help me in overcoming above mentioned problems.
September 18, 2011 at 5:13 am
Frnds I am confused between d honda dazzler, cbf stunner and cb unicorn..I like all 3 bt d problem wth cb unicorn is 5 mnths waiting period n heavy weight to handle.. my dad will change his decision in 5 mnths..
about dazzler its a short bike and i am 6ft tall and thin… stunner is easy to handle bt low power compare to other 2… SO PLZ SUGGEST ME…
September 21, 2011 at 8:18 am
People for your own good do not buy any bike which has no kicker.
Yes cars have selfstart only, but cars have bigger powerful 30 Ah to 100 Ah batteries, and also cars have fuel-injection, not carburetor.
Like yamaha R15, all bikes with fuel-injection will start easily and dont need kicker.
But bikes with carburetor should have kicker, so even in cold weather you can start bike with kicker.
Dazzerl, CbZ, hunk, SZ-R all dont have kicker and dont have fuel-injection also. These are all carburetor bikes and should have kicker. That is why now even FZ-S has kicker.
Dont take risk, buy bike with kicker only.
September 21, 2011 at 5:38 pm
if u can control power u should go with hunk and it is value for money and give gud milage on city ……
and maintance is low.
September 23, 2011 at 6:50 pm
apache rtr 180 abs is best
for a great speed,safe n stylish riding
September 26, 2011 at 10:11 am
honda dazzler is best bike in india road .dazzler is the most fuel eficient bike .the 150 cc bike mileage is about in 45km/l but dazzler is show it’s 55 km/l in city.dazzler is very smoot than other bike.It does not vibreat in 125 km/h speed but other bike are vibreat in 100km/h speed.dazzler is show the time in it’s digital mitre but no bike in india show this.dazzler is the best bike avalable in india.honda is the luxury bike cmpany.