Most Fuel-efficient Bikes Tested In 2018

Here’s the answer to one of the most asked questions in 2018

Though the Indian two-wheeler market is moving to more design and performance-oriented bikes, we're still a market that solely relies on fuel efficiency to make our final decision. Hence, if you're looking to start the new year with a brand new motorcycle that won't hurt your pocket in the long run, here's the list you’ve been waiting for.

Yamaha R15 V3.0  

This may come as a surprise, but the track-focused R15 V3 returned pretty good numbers in terms of fuel-efficiency in our test runs. The fact that the R15 runs a smaller 150cc motor, aided by Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) tech, might have a thing or two to do with these numbers. In the city, the bike managed an average of 48.75kmpl while out on the highway, it returned 47.92kmpl. Powering the R15 V3 is a slightly larger 155cc, liquid-cooled, motor that makes 19.3PS at 10,000rpm and 15Nm of torque at 8500rpm. It comes mated to a 6-speed transmission. Yamaha’s VVA technology allows the engine to run with two valve timings, one for better low-end grunt and the other for better top-end performance. 

TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi ABS

The more powerful TVS Apache RTR 200 with fuel injection returned an impressive 46.9kmpl and 41.58kmpl in the city and on the highway, respectively. When compared to a carburettor, the fuel-injection system results in a higher power output, greater fuel efficiency and much lower emissions. The RTR 200 Fi is powered by a 197.75cc, single-cylinder, air- and oil-cooled engine that makes a maximum of 21PS at 8500rpm and 18.1Nm of torque at 7000rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

One of the best motorcycles to come out from TVS’ portfolio this year is the Apache RTR 160 4V. It’s a performance packed motorcycle that’ll do your daily commutes equally well. All this, along with a feature-rich digital instrument console, makes the Apache RTR 160 4V an irresistible proposition for 2019. Aside from this, the bike also chalked down healthy fuel efficiency figures of 50.94kmpl in the city and 56.1kmpl on the highway.

Suzuki Intruder Fi

Suzuki’s modern cruiser that draws its inspiration from its elder sibling, the Intruder M109R, was updated with a fuel-injection system last year. Compared to the carb variant, the fuel injected version is slightly more efficient, both in the city and on the highway. In our tests, it managed to return 50kmpl in the city and 57.8kmpl on the highway. The Carb variant, on the other hand, managed 47.6kmpl and 54kmpl in the city and highway, respectively. The Suzuki Intruder Fi uses a 155cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 14.8PS at 8000rpm and 14Nm at 6000rpm. It comes mated to a 5-speed transmission. Thanks to the precise fuel inputs from the injection system, the bike feels more responsive in the low- to mid-range but misses out on top-end performance.

TVS Radeon 

The TVS Radeon was designed with a couple of extra features like LED DRLs placed below the headlamp, a plush seat and tank grips on the sides. While the overall design feels a bit understated, it’s intended to appeal to the masses. That said, its 109.7cc Dura-Life engine from the Star City Plus is tuned for better low-end grunt, which enhances its city commuting capabilities. The motor produces 8.4PS at 7000rpm and 8.7Nm at 5000rpm, paired with a 4-speed transmission. This setup allows the Radeon to deliver in spades when it comes to fuel efficiency. In our tests, it managed to offer  66.29kmpl in the city and 63.97 on the highway. Not only this, but the bike has a throaty exhaust note, which is unlike anything we’ve ever heard on a 110cc motorcycle.