Top 5 Most Affordable ABS Bikes In India

Looking for a motorcycle with good safety features under a budget? Here are our top 5 picks

With the enforcement of ABS norms in India, the baseline price of 150cc commuters has gone up. However, this category is still coveted as 150cc bikes offer a good balance of performance, ease of ownership and efficiency. Moreover, having ABS prevents wheels from locking up under hard braking, and is a lifesaver, especially on wet roads. Here are the top 5 most affordable bikes with ABS currently available in the market:

TVS Apache RTR 160: Rs 85,573

At Rs 85,573 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the rear drum variant, the TVS Apache RTR 160 is the most expensive one in this list. TVS’ racing genes are quite evident in this motorcycle. For starters, its double cradle frame has been developed in collaboration with TVS Racing and the single-channel ABS is claimed to have been developed and tested on the track too. It also comes with subtle yet sporty looking graphics, raised clip-on handlebars and a semi-digital instrument console for that premium feel.

The 159.7cc engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission and produces 15.1PS of power and 13.03Nm of torque. The bike comes to a halt using a 270mm petal disc up front and a 130mm rear drum. Compared to a conventional circular disc, a petal disc offers superior heat dissipation.

Bajaj Pulsar 150: Rs 84,461 

Even though the Pulsar 150 has been in the market for quite some time, Pulsar enthusiasts find the bike’s design and dynamics quite timeless. For 2019, the motorcycle comes with refreshed graphics and an engine cowl. The motorcycle sports a generous 15-litre fuel tank is the largest in its segment. It should offer a good range for both city riding and highway runs. Powering the bike is a 149cc single-cylinder engine which generates 14PS and 13.4Nm. The engine works in conjunction with a 5-speed transmission.

Underpinnings include telescopic forks up front and twin Nitrox shock absorbers at the rear. Compared to the TVS Apache RTR 160, the Pulsar 150 gets a smaller 240mm disc brake up front, while the rear makes do with a 130mm drum unit. Like the Apache, this bike also gets a single-channel ABS. At Rs 84,461, the Pulsar 150 undercuts its arch-rival, the Apache RTR 160 by a little over Rs 1100.

Bajaj Avenger Street 160: Rs 82,253

The Bajaj Avenger Street 160 is the country’s most affordable cruiser at Rs 82,253 (ex-showroom Delhi). Its 160cc air-cooled engine is also among the most powerful in this list producing a healthy 15PS of power and 13.5Nm of torque, working alongside a 5-speed transmission. 

Also Read: Bajaj Avenger Street 160: Road Test Review

The Avenger Street 160’s swanky design language sticks to the traditional cruiser roots rather nicely. Moreover, the low seat height of just 730mm makes the bike ideal for shorter riders. The ergonomics are laid back but with a slightly forward lean because of the relatively shorter handlebar compared to the Avenger Cruise 220. In the braking department, the 260mm front disc offers strong bite and you don’t have to worry about the wheel locking up either, thanks to the single-channel ABS. Even the rear 130mm drum brake offers reasonably good bite. 

Honda CB Unicorn: Rs 79,241

The CB Unicorn is Honda’s no-nonsense commuter that’s built to last forever. The 149cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine may produce a modest 12.9PS and 12.8Nm. However, coupled with a 5-speed transmission, the powertrain is butter-smooth and fuss-free when it comes to maintenance. 

The bike’s conservative design has remained unchanged over the years because customers love the familiarity and the solid feel it exudes. Honda offers a 240mm disc up front with single-channel ABS while the rear features a 130mm drum brake.

Bajaj Pulsar 150 Neon edition: Rs 68,250

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 Neon edition is the most affordable bike with ABS in the country at Rs 68,250 (ex-showroom Delhi). This motorcycle undercuts the standard Pulsar 150 by a whole Rs 16,211! Even though it is more affordable, it gets the same engine as the Pulsar 150 and makes the same power and torque figures (14PS and 13.4Nm). What sets this motorcycle apart are the different colour options with funky highlights on the side panels, grab rail and bikini fairing and colour coded rim stickers. 

The motorcycle’s suspension and brakes (including the single-channel ABS) are also the same as the one in the Pulsar 150. Overall, this motorcycle carries the genes of the legendary Pulsar while being considerably more affordable and will appeal to those who want a Pulsar but with a bit more style.