Top five performance bikes that hit Indian roads in 2011

2011 has been the year of bike launches. There were so many of them (that every week enthusiasts had a reason to rejoice). But what were these launches that made the bikers amongst us so excited? Here's a quick recap.

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Yamaha R15

After months of testing, the new R15 was finally launched. The 2011 Yamaha R15 was a bit of a disappointment for enthusiasts because there was no power increase. However the Version 2.0 of the R15 has the show to match its go and is a better city machine with sharper handling and gorgeous looks all round.

In all the good just got better and the R15 managed to retain its excellent looks, good performance and decent fuel efficiency.

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Hyosung GT650R

The GT650R is an insane machine. Not because it is powerful but because it is an out and out sports bike.

Featuring a 650cc motor which produces close to 73 bhp of power, the GT650R will nudge past 100 kmph in just 5.5 seconds.

The aggressive riding position and the high revving motor all makes this Hyosung one of the quickest machines which won't burn a hole in your pocket. At Rs 6 lakh, this is the cheapest bike which can give you such a thrill.

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Kawasaki Ninja 650R

The middle weight Ninja drew a lot of attention from enthusiasts. Infact, when the bike was launched, it was so much in demand that bookings had to be closed for the next six months. The 650R takes all the good things from the Ninja family and features a rock solid riding position, good for touring.

Power is adequate at 71 bhp and the Rs 5 lakh price makes it all the more attractive. Factor in the brand name and the easy availability of service and spares and the Ninja 650R is an immediate success.

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Honda CBR250R

When Honda makes a motorcycle, it can't go unnoticed, especially when it is a quarter litre machine, heavily localised, priced aggressively and made specially for the Indian markets.

The baby CBR features a single cylinder 250cc motor which produces 25 hp of power and gives good low-end response. Factor in the affordable price of Rs 1.5 lakh and the Honda brand name and reliability, and instantly the CBR250R started to command a six month waiting.

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Hero Impulse

The first bike from Hero MotoCorp, the Impulse is a niche motorcycle, which is an on-off road machine. Featuring a puny 150cc motor, the Impulse is not about power or wheelies.

It's about the handling and ride of this dirt bike, which is a boon to nimble across bad roads. Factor in the price of Rs 70,000 which is slightly more expensive then other 150cc bikes and you know why the Impulse can become your impulsive purchase.

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