Top 5 Bikes Reviewed in 2016

As 2017 begins, we look back at the top five two-wheelers we reviewed in the past year.

The Indian two-wheeler industry has been growing at a steady pace over the past few years, and 2016 saw some really interesting motorcycles get launched in the country. Needless to say, we had a blast reviewing and riding these machines in 2016. To pick our favourites from that long list was a tough task but we did try. Here is a list of five of our favourite bikes that we at BikeDekho rode in 2016.

Kawasaki ZX-10R:

When: May 31, 2016

The ZX-10R we rode last year is the all-new version of Kawasaki’s litre-class superbike, armed with some serious kit, both mechanical and electronic. The bike has been launched at Rs 18.9 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) making it one of the most affordable litre-class monsters in the Indian market. Its styling is sharper than the older version, making the bike look a lot leaner and meaner. It makes use of the same 998cc motor, which is now Euro-4 compliant. In spite of making the bike more eco-friendly, the ZX-10R still delivers the same menacing 200PS of max power. With all this power, the tricky part is when it comes to transferring it to the tarmac and the ZX-10R does that well thanks to its vast array of electronics. It is this large safety net that allows both novice riders and experts alike to ride and exploit a 200PS missile. And that’s what makes the Kawasaki ZX-10R endearing.

Rider's quote: Acceleration is brutal as you duck down under the windscreen to take refuge and magically understand aerodynamics while holding on to dear life. The 0-100kmph sprint can be dismissed under three seconds and one can hit 170kmph in 1st gear itself! – Arun Nadar

To know more on the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R,  read the full review here.

MV Agusta F3 800:

When: December 20, 2016

The F3 800 is easily one of the prettiest bikes in the market. Being an exquisite brand, MV Agusta bikes come with a high price tag. The F3 800 is priced at Rs 16.78 lakh (ex-showroom Pune) making it the most expensive middleweight supersport offering in the country. Italians are known for their art and MV Agusta surely has left no stone unturned with the F3 800. The bike has seductive lines that would make you want to drool and stare at it all day. Highlights include a tubular trellis frame, sculpted single-sided swingarm and the gorgeous side-mounted triple-stacked exhaust pipes. The bike has the agility of a 600cc bike and the performance of a litre-class bike which makes the F3 800 a phenomenal ride. It is not just art that describes the bike. Under the skin, the F3 800 has a potent motor that churns out some serious digits. Acceleration is intense and will leave you gasping for breath as it attains triple digits in a flash. The high price does not make it a sensible buy but, as is with most Italians, it is a heart over mind call with the MV Agusta F3 800.

Rider's quote: Thumb the starter and you get to hear a three-cylinder clatter that makes you wonder if the bike uses a dry clutch (it does not). This is quite typical of Italian triples, but as the revs rise, the sound is outright sporty and pleasing to the ears. – Benjamin Gracias

To know more on the MV Agusta F3 800, read the full review here.

Aprilia SR150:

When: October 6, 2016

Scooters in India are designed keeping convenience and comfort in mind. But for petrolheads like us, it is more about the form, design, agility and, of course, the performance. All these factors can be ticked off the list when it comes to the Aprilia SR150.  Because there’s little imaginably better than a 150cc scooter that draws its inspiration from the RS4V superbike. The SR150 is an attention magnet no matter wherever you take it. It is the only moto-scooter to be sold in India after the Blaze. It sports a peppy 154cc motor that does justice to the badge it carries. The 14-inch wheels slapped on with wide sticky tyres complete the package for a sharp handling and agile scooter. And at Rs 67,000 (ex-Delhi) it is the most affordable way to own an Aprilia!

Rider's quote: Unlike most scooters that are sold firmly with convenience and comfort in mind, the SR 150 stands out by being true to its brand’s heritage of fun and performance, albeit in a much smaller package. While it can handle the mundane everyday tasks with aplomb, it is really in its element when it comes to spirited riding. - Saeed Akhtar

To know more on the Aprilia SR150, read the full review here.

Honda Navi:

When: April 12, 2016

Now, this is something special. Ever wished for the joy of a motorcycle along with the ease of a scooter? Well, you don’t need to scratch you head anymore. The Navi is categorised as a mini-bike. The Navi looks inspired by the Honda Grom sold overseas and that’s not a bad thing at all. The Navi has been developed completely in-house by Honda in India. The mini-bike uses cycle parts from the Activa, including it’s 110cc mill. Due to its compact dimensions, the Navi is quick, fun to ride and easy to navigate in city traffic. And riding it is guaranteed to induce a smile on the rider as well as some passer-bys. The Honda Navi is a two-wheeler that a rider of any age group can comfortably use. It’s the mini-bike we do not need, but the one we want!

Rider's quote: With the riding position similar to a commuter, I found myself trying to slot the Navi into ‘neutral’ on several occasions, only to realise this is an automatic! - Arun Nadar

To know more on the Honda Navi, read the full review here.

Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber:

When: December 2, 2016

Think of Moto Guzzis and the first thing that comes to your mind is the engine block jutting out on either side of the bike. Moto Guzzi is an Italian brand with has a rich history and is known to make interesting bikes, like the V9 Bobber. The bobber has the ability to mesmerise you with its beauty and attention to detail. The V9 Bobber is unlike any cruiser you would find in the market. It delivers the comfort expected of a cruiser but that’s that. When it comes to dynamics, unlike other cruisers that hold back on dynamics, the V9 Bobber does the opposite. There are impressive levels of grip to revel in along with sharp handling qualities which makes the V9 Bobber a hoot around corners. Also, the side rocking motion (torque reaction) from the longitudinally mounted motor and shaft drive felt on acceleration is a unique feeling you should experience once in your life. Priced at Rs 13.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), this Italian offering surely places itself amongst the high rollers.

Rider's quote: Moto Guzzis are one of the most unique motorcycles you can get your hands on in India. The V9 Bobber offers a lot in terms of rider engagement, refinement and the absolute flexibility that makes it accessible to a wider range of consumers. - Benjamin Gracias

To know more on the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber, read the full review here.