5 Popular Out Of Production Motorcycles In India

Years ago, there were just a few motorcycles in a sea of commuters that really stood apart because of their segment-beating dynamics. These motorcycles were a hit among enthusiasts and when it comes to their capabilities, some of them are relevant even today. We round up some of the most loved ones.

Yamaha RX100:

Yamaha’s little pocket rocket was one of the fastest motorcycles of its time in its segment. Its puny 98cc single-cylinder, air-cooled motor was good for 11PS of power -- but coupled with the light weight of just 103kg, its performance was quite sprightly. So much so that the motorcycle became the fodder of a number of urban legends. People used to say the RX100 is a perfect getaway motorcycle for criminals, as the cops were unable to catch up with them! That may not be true, but it makes for one hell of a story, doesn’t it? The two-stroker had to be discontinued due to stricter emission norms, which ultimately became the cause of death for all the road-legal two-stroke vehicles in the country. However, we do think it is possible to revive this pocket rocket and here’s why.

Yamaha RD 350:

The legendary Yamaha RD 350 is said to be able to keep up even with the mad, ultra-modern KTM 390 Duke! The international version of the motorcycle produced a rabid 40PS of power. However, for the Indian market, the motorcycle was detuned (reportedly for higher fuel efficiency) to produce 31.3PS of power in the ‘High Torque’ version and 27.6PS in the ‘Low Torque’ version. Even then, it was ridiculously powerful considering the fact that there was barely anything faster in the ‘80s. The RD 350 is quite popular in the second-hand market even today, with prospective customers willing to pay a hefty premium! You can still see the motorcycle participating in drag racing competitions across the country, outperforming much more modern motorcycles.

Hero Honda Karizma:

Launched in 2003, the Karizma was one of the sportiest-looking motorcycles of its time, with the go to back the show as well! Its 223cc air-cooled motor generated 17.2PS at 7000rpm and 18.3Nm of torque at 6000rpm. Working in conjunction with a 5-speed transmission, it was one of the few bikes that was able to sustain triple digit speeds with grace. The Karizma’s quarter fairing, information-laden analogue instrument cluster, and that bright yellow bodywork rounded off the package. At a launch price of around Rs 83,000, the premium motorcycle commanded an equally premium value.

Hero Honda CBZ:

Hero Honda launched the CBZ back in 1999, making it the first 150cc 4-stroke motorcycle focused on performance from the brand. It featured a powerful (12.9PS & 12.45Nm) Honda-derived 156.8cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. Some of the design highlights of this motorcycle are the tank cowl, the console with an rpm meter, the exhaust design/sound and the fat (for its time) rear tyre. The bike even featured a front disc brake for adequate stopping power. Five years later, Hero Honda launched a facelifted version with nothing but fresh graphics. The motorcycle bit the dust in 2005, and after a few years the bikemaker launched the all-new CBZ Xtreme. It featured a smaller 150cc engine and wasn’t exactly an enthusiast’s machine. But with the recently-launched Xtreme 200R, Hero hopes to rekindle the premium performance commuter segment.

TVS Suzuki Fiero:

TVS in partnership with Suzuki launched the Fiero in 2000 primarily to rival the then-popular Hero Honda CBZ. Its headlight cowl-integrated indicators were a welcome departure from the run-of-the-mill motorcycles at that time. The 150cc engine featuring digital fuel ignition -- that was cleverly named “D-Fi Logic” -- optimally delivered fuel across the rpm range for a fine balance of performance and economy. The motor was good for 12.1PS of power and even had a claimed fuel efficiency figure of about 57kmpl! The Fiero was touted to be the first Indian motorcycle to get an optional electric start too. Priced below Rs 50,000, the motorcycle was an ideal upgrade for customers with 100cc commuters.