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Best bike buys for 2007

With a whopping seven million two-wheelers sold every year in India, the market is flooded with a variety of models. Evaluating and zeroing in on the ones that suit individual needs calls for expert guidance. Rishad Cooper with Rachna Tyagi makes a shortlist of the best models from each segment

Scooters under 100cc- Approximate Mileage- 45-50kpl

TVS Scooty Pep Plus

The Scooty Pep Plus virtually rules its segment, with no competitor to match its attractive looks or valuable specifications such as a button starter and telescopic front forks. The Pep's a light scooter and comes with a special main stand that is easy for a lady to deploy. It's powered by a smooth and reliable four-stroke TVS engine and can be bought in a choice of 99 colours.

Tech Specs

Price (ex-showroom, Pune): Rs 32,825
Wheelbase: 1230mm
Kerb weight: 95kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, sohc
Engine capacity: 87.8cc
Max power: 5bhp at 6500rpm
Max torque: 0.59kgm at 4000rpm
Gearbox: Variomatic

Scooters over 100cc- Approximate Mileage- 40-45kpl

Honda Activa

Honda hasn't tasted much success in India on the motorcycle front, but the Activa rules when talking automatic scooters. The cleanly styled Activa has great looks and houses another smooth and reliable Honda power plant in India. Its seating posture, well padded and broad seat as well as flat floorboard offer as much comfort as possible on two wheelers. Storage area and weather protection are other highlights to be taken for granted on the Activa.

Tech Specs

Price: (ex-showroom, Pune): Rs 38,262
Wheelbase: 1235mm
Kerb weight: 110.2kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 102cc
Max power: 7bhp at 7000rpm
Max torque: 0.77kgm at 5500rpm
Gearbox: Variomatic

Honda Dio

A clone of the Activa, lightweight and curvy body panels make the Dio futuristically styled to attract the younger generation and those with a sporty inclination. Under its skin, the Dio shares the Activa's brilliant variomatic engine, as well as all other cycle parts.

Tech Specs

Price: (ex-showroom, Pune): Rs 38,774
Wheelbase: 1235mm
Kerb weight: 107kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 102cc
Max power: 7bhp at 7000rpm
Max torque: 0.77kgm at 5500rpm
Gearbox: Variomatic

Kinetic Blaze

Kinetic's radical Blaze is completely unlike any scooter India has ever seen. Look at it from any angle and there's no denying the fact that the Blaze has strong road presence. It's a larger and meaner looking scooter than anything else ever seen in our parts. The scooter enjoys thoughtful access to its underseat bay and fuel-filler via the ignition key and opens its seat in a unique split fashion. The Blaze enjoys neatly sculpted side panels, a large alloy grab-bar and integrated brake and turn lights at rear. This scooter proves that gear-free nirvana is possible, while still delivering decent ride and handling. Unlike conventional Indian scooters, the Blaze has true ability to travel serious distances with minimal fatigue.

Tech Specs

Price: Rs 56,800 (Mumbai)
Wheelbase: 1495mm
Kerb Weight: 136kg
Engine Layout: Single cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke, SOHC
Engine Capacity: 165.12cc
Max Power: 11.6bhp @ 7500rpm
Max Torque: 1.2kgm @ 5000rpm
Gearbox: Variomatic

Entry-level bikes- Approximate Mileage- 60-65kpl

TVS Star City

The Star City's another TVS model that's built itself consistent favour in the market. It's a toughly built motorcycle and stays reliable and is long-lasting. The Star City offers alloy-rims, a large fuel tank and silky smooth and frugal four-stroke engine. A comfortable feel, adequate ride and neutral handling are other factors that help make the Star a good choice of entry-level bike.

Tech Specs

Price (ex-showroom Pune): Rs 36,300
Wheelbase: 1250mm
Kerb weight: 108kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 99.7cc
Max power: 7.5bhp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 0.76kgm at 5000rpm

Gearbox: Four-speed manual

Bajaj Platina

The Platina offers great value for a bike in its class. It's styled to look up-market and uses the proven and economical four-stroke engine, first found on its CT 100 sibling. And then there's spring in spring rear suspension and 17-inch alloy-rims — technology that works to provide smooth ride quality on our pothole-cratered roads. Couple that with Bajaj's mammoth dealer reach across India and cheap spares and you'll understand why the Platina is a runaway success today.

Tech Specs

Price (ex-showroom, Pune): Rs 34,989
Wheelbase: 1277mm
Kerb weight: 112kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 99.27cc
Max power: 8.2bhp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 0.82kgm at 4500rpm
Gearbox: Four-speed manual

95cc-115cc bikes- Approximate Mileage- 55-65kpl

Bajaj Discover 110

The smaller Discover enjoys the same flamboyant and friendly style as is found on its larger brother. It's the only bike for a buyer considering leaping up from the 100's, while not yet ready for a full size 125cc bike. An 111.63cc Bajaj engine endows this Discover with a small performance edge over any of the 100s. Alloy-rims, spring-in-spring suspension and a comfortable riding position are other features that make the Discover 110 one worthy motorcycle.

Tech Specs

Price (ex-showroom, Pune): Rs 40,551
Wheelbase: 1305mm
Kerb weight: 117kg
Engine layout: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC
Engine capacity: 111.63cc
Max power: 8.51bhp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 0.95kgm at 4500rpm
Gearbox: Four-speed manual

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