5 Bikes That Changed India

Famous bikes of India

The fact that India has the largest two-wheeler market in the world indicates that motorbikes and scooters are more common in our nation than cars, SUVs, and four-wheeled passenger vehicles. And if we talk about the Indian bike market today, we will find that there are a ton of incredible bikes that are superior to one another, but if we talk about the Indian bike industry a few years back, there were a ton of unique motorcycles that helped to grow it. Let’s look at these 5 motorcycles that transformed the Indian motorbike market.

1. Yamaha RX 100

Only name is enough to describe the craze of this bike. Yamaha RX100 was first ever affordable performance focus motorcycle in India. It was a two-stroke motorcycle launched in November 1985, and manufactured till March 1996. After the government decided to discontinue production of all two-stroke motorcycles, the Yamaha RX100’s glory in India came to an end. However, the success story continues to this day.

The Yamaha RX100 was an iconic and go-to bike for two-wheeler enthusiasts back in the 80s and early 90s. It not only set a benchmark for two-stroke motorcycles but also single-handedly changed people’s perspective towards motorcycling. The RX100 was quickly adopted by racers who recognized its potential for drag racing. The Yamaha RX100 is still famous in the modification markets. Various modifications such as expansion chambers, head porting, engine tuning, sprocket changes, and wheel size changes became fairly common.

Despite being discontinued a quarter of a century ago, today’s enthusiasts are still willing to hand over hefty amounts of money to own a well-maintained example of the RX100. That’s the Yamaha RX100 for you.

2. Hero Splendor

Hero Splendor AKA The Mileage King. When you look outside, one out of five motorcycles will definitely be Splendor. Hero Splendor was launched in year 1994 as a successor to Hero Honda CD100 and Hero Honda Sleek.

Splendor Single handedly converted the two-stroke market to four-stroke market. Not only is it the most popular bike in India, but it is the most popular bike worldwide. The 97.2cc single cylinder, 4-stroke engine that powered the Splendor could provide 7.2 Nm of torque. In terms of design, this bike’s design was similar to that of every other motorbike from the 1990s, but its fuel efficiency is what made it stand out. Later hero continued upgrading splendor with better parts and graphics and increasing more fuel economy. And still it is first choice of every Indian while choosing a bike with good fuel economy.

3. Royal Enfield Bullet

Royal Enfield Bullet is known as the original big bike. People owing a Bullet have a different class and status in society. It is being built since 1931 and bullet is also more famous because of its high display motorcycle engine. he legacy of weapons manufacture is reflected in the logo comprising the cannon, and the motto “Made like a gun”. 

First Royal Enfield was used to get imported in India but later they started producing it In India and now Royal Enfield is owned by our Indian company Eicher. The fact that our very own Eicher Motor is now running a UK-based corporation is a huge deal. Currently, Royal Enfield offers motorcycles in over 50 nations. In terms of worldwide sales, Royal Enfield overtook Harley-Davidson in 2015.

4. Yamaha YZF R15

R15 was the first affordable track machine. Yamaha YZF R15 was launched for the first time in 2008 in India. The most special thing was its looks and design because you will find Yamaha R1 inspired design and delta box frame.

Yamaha R15 comes with 149.8 cc liquid cooled, four-stroke, four-valve, single cylinder engine which was capable of producing 17 PS of power. Because at that time no bike of this category displacement was produced and the weight of this bike was only 131 Kg, and that’s why its power was very decent and top figures was also amazing. This was the reason it was quite popular in Indian market. R15 was well known for its handling and sharp cornering. In India, a new era of load displacement performance-focused motorcycles has begun with this bike.

5. Hero Karizma

In 2003, Hero Karizma made its debut in India and it came with a very high price tag. Its price was 1 lakh INR, which was a quite high for 2003 and Karizma became a very hot favorite bike for those buyers who wanted a sporty look and decent performance.

Karizma was coming with the engine of Honda CRF 230 dirt bike. In which you get a very good combination of both power and refinement, that is why it became a great machine and also very reliable. That’s why till today there many people who like Karizma and want Hero to bring it back again in the same old style.

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