The commuter is still largely the bread-and-butter winner for motorcycle manufacturers and that explains why three new commuter motorcycles have been unveiled in the span of seven days! While the first two are entry-level machines, the third aims to break away from the stereotype of commuter motorcycles and aims to give the rider a sneak peek into the world of premium motorcycles. Here’s what we’ve got on our platter.
HONDA DREAM YUGA
The Dream Yuga is a 110cc motorcycle that Honda aims to break into the mass-market segment with. It’s earlier attempt, the Twister, found fans in many although the steep price tag owing to the premium looks didn't bring as many buyers to the counter as Honda would have liked. The Dream Yuga, hence, borrows the Twister's motor (and most of the Shine's bodywork) which produces 9 bhp at 7500 rpm and 0.91 kg of torque and Honda claims a maximum fuel efficiency figure of 72 kmpl for this motorcycle. In terms of features, the Dream Yuga is shod with alloys, an optional electric starter, Honda’s trademark “Tuff-Up” tube and a heel-and-toe gear shifter. It is priced at Rs 44,642 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is on sale now.
SUZUKI HAYATE
The Hayate, a 112cc entry-level commuter, aims to increase Suzuki’s market presence in the country. The looks are an instant reminder of Suzuki's not-so-successful SlingShot but that doesn’t stop us from saying it looks bright and youthful. At the heart of the matter is a 112cc engine that produces 8.2 bhp and is mated to a four-speed transmission. Running on 17” alloy rims should lend the Hayate good handling characteristics — important in the cut and thrust of traffic — and since the similarity to the SlingShot extends to the chassis and suspension too, the Hayate should have excellent ride quality as well. The kick-start version of the Hayate is priced at Rs 40,162 while the electric-start version carries a price-tag of Rs 42,162 (all prices ex-showroom, Pune).
BAJAJ DISCOVER 125 ST
Bajaj has constantly evolved the already-good Discover and turned it into a premium commuter offering. This, the Discover 125 ST, looks like the best of them all. The ST in the name stands for “Sports Tourer” and while that may sound a bit far-fetched, Bajaj’s implication is that of a sporty, comfortable commuter. Powering the 125 ST is a 125cc, 4-valve, twin-spark engine that produces 12.8 bhp at 9000 rpm and 1.1 kg of torque at 7000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox and a segment first is the Nitrox monoshock rear suspension, the benefits of which extend much beyond cosmetic appeal. Stylish alloys, a disc brake up front and overall snazzy bodywork makes the Discover 125 ST the most appealing of the current lot of 125s in the country and we’re expecting Bajaj to price it in the Rs 50-55,000 region.
