5 most popular bikes of 2016

These five vehicles are the most popular two-wheelers launched till date in 2016. However, 2016 is still on and we are expecting lot more exciting vehicle launches around the festive season.

For the two-wheeler industry in India, 2016 began on a good note with the launch of some much-awaited products such as the Apache RTR 200 4V and the all-new Victor from TVS Motor. Then there was the country's biggest auto show, the Auto Expo in Delhi-NCR, with more fun and excitement for enthusiasts.

From then till now, the year has been a mixed bag ranging from amazing to ordinary launches, along with updated two-wheelers. Here, we talk about the five most popular two-wheelers till date.

Yamaha Ray ZR

First showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, the Yamaha Ray ZR was launched in the market recently at a starting price of Rs 52,000 (Note: All prices in the article are ex-showroom, Delhi). Despite being another cosmetic upgrade (if you discount the front disc brake which is now a part of the options list), the scooter was in the spotlight due to its aggressive and flamboyant styling that is meant to appeal to the young generation.

It shares its platform with its siblings, including the Alpha, Ray Z, and the Fascino. However, the Ray ZR is the only scooter in the line-up that comes with a front disc brake option, for an extra Rs 2,000, helping it come to a complete halt faster.

Royal Enfield Himalayan

It has been a long wait but Royal Enfield has finally introduced India's first budget adventure tourer, the Himalayan, in February 2016. The bike has been designed with preference to form over function and it can be seen in the way it looks as well. However, it excels at what it is made for and is able to justify the asking price of Rs 1.55 lakh.

So, those who do not have big savings but wish to ride an adventure motorcycle can get the Himalayan. Incidentally, this is the reason why the Himalayan is so popular in India.

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

As we mentioned earlier, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is among the first launches of this year. However, this is not the reason why it is popular in India. Rather, a lot of people have been waiting for the Apache RTR 200 4V for years, especially since the 2014 Auto Expo where TVS showcased the Draken X-21 concept.

The Apache RTR 200 4V shares many design bits with that concept and sports a new air-cooled engine which lets it hold its own against the competition. The price of the bike starts at Rs 88,990.

It is on sale in a few cities already and will be available across India soon. The bike is available with a fuel-injected engine and stickier Pirelli tyres as well, while the promised ABS trim is yet to be launched.

Bajaj V15

The V15 is what happens when Bajaj goes all-out to cater to a particular segment of the market, in this case the commuter motorcycle segment. The V15 has already become one of the top 10 highest selling bikes within a month of its launch. The bike evokes nostalgia as it uses metal from the INS Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier which played an instrumental role during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

However, it was decommissioned in 1997. Besides the nostalgia factor, the Bajaj V's retro-modern styling makes it stand apart from the crowd. Even then, it comes with a very reasonable price tag of Rs 61,000, while the smart removable pillion seat cowl costs Rs 1,000 extra.

Honda Navi

Honda Navi was one of the most enthralling reveals of the 2016 Auto Expo. A first-of-its-kind vehicle in India, the Navi is scooter-motorcycle hybrid and this is the biggest reason for its popularity. Based on Honda Activa's platform, it uses the same reliable 110cc motor but delivers peppier performance as it has less weight to carry around.

Currently, the Navi comes with a price tag of Rs 39,500 and soon there will be customisation options for the Navi.