Hero XPulse 200T BS6: Same Price, Other Options

The just-launched Xpulse 200T BS6 not to your taste? Well, get ready to be spoiled with these interesting alternatives

Hero MotoCorp finally launched the Hero XPulse 200T BS6 last week. Priced at Rs 1,12,800 (ex-showroom Delhi), it commands a massive 18,000-rupee premium over its BS4 variant. Despite the hefty premium, there are no new features other than the cleaner, fuel-injected engine with oil cooler. If you’re looking for alternatives in the same price bracket, well, you’re in luck.

Suzuki Gixxer

Price: Rs 1,16,700

The Suzuki Gixxer became a benchmark of sorts when it first entered the market. It offers the quintessential muscular streetfighter styling, packs adequate performance and gets a decent set of features to be considered a worthy all rounder in its segment. 

That said, its smaller engine makes a lot less power and torque than the Hero XPulse 200T. Moreover, the BS6-compliant iteration also doesn’t have any new features that can justify its high price tag of Rs 1,16,700. All in all, if you want a streetfighter with Japanese reliability and a more matured design, the Suzuki Gixxer is the one for you.

Bajaj Pulsar NS160

Price: Rs 1,10,086

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 may not have any new features to speak of in its BS6 iteration, but it makes up for it by offering plenty of performance. In fact, it was the most powerful motorcycle in its segment until TVS dethroned it with the 2021 Apache RTR 160 4V.

The motorcycle looks a lot like its older sibling, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200. It also comes in stunning colour schemes, and at Rs 1,10,086, the NS160 is a perfect buy for Pulsar enthusiasts who want a performance-oriented commuter that can do both city runs and the occasional highway jaunts.

TVS Apache RTR 180

Price: Rs 1,08,270

The TVS Apache RTR 180 may be a little too long in the teeth but it still is good value for money if you want a motorcycle that’s more powerful than the 160cc bikes and at the same time doesn’t burn that big a hole in your pocket. 

The BS6 version comes with Glide Through Technology, which is essentially a low-speed assist. This feature enables the bike to crawl at low speeds solely by the clutch modulation. It’ll be a boon for maneuvering through traffic-riddled roads. TVS used to offer dual-channel ABS in the RTR 180 BS4 but now it only gets a single-channel unit due to cost constraints.

Yamaha FZ-S V3.0

Price: Rs 1,07,200

The Yamaha FZ-S V3.0 is one of the most popular streetfighters in the country. Even though the bike isn’t anywhere nearly as powerful as its rivals, the FZ is still loved by enthusiasts because of its sporty styling, light weight (135kg kerb), and quintessential Japanese quality. The latest iteration comes with bluetooth connectivity, which enables the rider to use features like remote lock, ‘locate my bike’, answer back function, ride history, hazard lamp activation and parking record. 

At Rs 1,07,200, the Yamaha FZ-S V3.0 is the most affordable motorcycle in this list. If you’re a Yamaha enthusiast who is looking for a sporty yet frugal motorcycle for city commutes, the Yamaha FZ-S makes a strong case for itself.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Price: Rs 1,10,320

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is by far the most feature-packed motorcycle in its segment. It is loaded to the brim with technologies like an all-LED headlamp and tail lamp, full-LCD instrument cluster with lap timer, 0-60 timer, top-speed recorder, gear position indicator, Glide Through Technology, and single-channel ABS.

Moreover, the 2021 iteration is not only the most powerful motorcycle in its segment, it is also lighter than its predecessor by 2kg. If you’re in the market for a well-balanced 160cc naked, then at Rs 1,10,320, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is an excellent choice.

All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.