Budget Navigators: Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Bikes with Navigation

These motorcycles with turn-by-turn navigation have made commuting to new places easier.

Today is a good time to buy a new motorcycle in India, as the market is flooded with tech-laden options with never-seen-before features. One such modern-day feature among premium motorcycles in India is navigation. Once restricted only to imported bikes with cutting-edge TFT consoles, navigation is now available even in much-lesser-priced performance commuters with relatively less-fancier displays. We have listed the five most affordable motorcycles with navigation on sale in India, which are as follows:

TVS Apache RTR 160: Rs 1,26,220 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

TVS updated its old workhorse, the Apache RTR 160, with an all-new full-LED headlamp and a full-LCD instrument cluster, with the latter feature replacing the almost 15-year-old semi-digital console. The new full-LCD display now on offer in the Apache RTR 160 is the same SmartXonnect unit, which first debuted in the Apache RTR 200 4V and now supports turn-by-turn navigation, which is present only in the range-topping dual-disc variant as an option.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Rs 1,30,670-Rs 1,37,670 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

The new-generation TVS Apache RTR 4V sits above the previous-generation model and differentiates itself with a completely different bodywork and engine. However, one thing common between this new-generation RTR 160 4V and the previous-generation Apache RTR 160 2V is the full-LCD SmartXonnect instrument console. This console shows turn-by-turn navigation in the higher-spec variants of the Apache RTR 160 4V.

TVS Apache RTR 180: Rs 1,32,220 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

Alongside the lesser-powerful and more affordable Apache RTR 160, TVS also updated the niche Apache RTR 180. It retains the bodywork, features and chassis from the RTR 160 but has a larger and more powerful 180cc engine. Among all the features shared by the TVS Apache RTR 180 with the RTR 160 is the SmartXonnect full-LCD instrument cluster, which packs a turn-by-turn navigation system as standard in its single, fully-loaded variant.

Hero Xpulse 200T 4V: Rs 1,40,246

The more road-oriented version of the Xpulse 200 4V off-road adventure motorcycle, the Hero Xpulse 200T 4V, gets the same engine as the former but with a revised rear section, and smaller 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres. However, the Hero Xpulse 200T 4V shares its full-LCD instrument console with its off-road-oriented sibling, which packs in turn-by-turn navigation as standard in the variant in which it is available.

Suzuki Gixxer: Rs 1,40,900 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

The Suzuki Gixxer is a muscular-looking 155cc sports commuter that has proven itself with impeccable reliability and decent all-around performance. The updated version of the Suzuki Gixxer, which broke the covers in 2020, received subtle changes to its design and a new full-LCD instrument cluster. The Gixxer 155 comes in two variants, with the higher-spec one getting standard turn-by-turn navigation (Ride Connect Edition) as the only additional feature over the lower variant.

Is Turn-By-Turn Navigation Indeed Useful?

It all started with the second-generation KTM Duke 390, which debuted India's first smartphone-connected instrument cluster for motorcycles. However, with its performance offerings like Xpulse 200, Xpulse 200T, and Xtreme 200S, Hero MotoCorp offered a less-fancier LCD with the added practicality of turn-by-turn navigation. 

A turn-by-turn navigation display might not be as comprehensive as Google Maps or in-built satellite navigation, which are more precise and intuitive. However, for entry-level motorcycles and the people who ride them for their daily commutes, a turn-by-turn navigation system can be a helping hand, especially in larger metropolitan cities with unpredictable roads and hard-to-find destinations. It can also be a handful for travellers who wish to explore a new destination and their surroundings on a two-wheeler but do not know much about the roads.

You can find all the motorcycles with navigation on sale in India listed on BikeDekho, where you can filter your choice depending on the performance, specifications and budget you prefer.