The burgeoning motorcycle segment of India is filled with a number of vehicles that are sporty, stylish and yet surprisingly fuel efficient. This focus of two wheeler manufacturers on the mileage of their bikes is due to the cost consciousness of the buyers as well as the ever-increasing prices of petrol in the country. However, in all four segments, namely 100 to 110 cc, 150 cc, 180 cc and 200+ cc, there are so many choices that consumers may not be able to select the most fuel efficient bike that fulfils their requirements.
In the entry level 100 to 110 cc segment, the latest entrant is the Honda Dream Yuga, which is said to deliver mileage of 72 kmpl under ideal testing conditions, as per the company. Its closest competitor will be the Bajaj Discover 100 cc, which is said to deliver an average of 70 kmpl. Likewise, the mileage of segment-leader Hero MotoCorp's Splendor, which comes in variants like Splendor+, Splendor NXG, Super Splendor and Splendor PRO, also hovers around 70 kmpl. Bajaj Platina is said to have class-leading mileage of 108 kmpl, which may appease those who consider fuel efficiency to the most important factor while buying a bike. Honda CB Twister may also appeal to them due to its mileage of 85.7 kmpl and attractive looks.
Next comes the 125 cc bracket, which is ruled by the likes of Hero Glamour, Bajaj Discover and Honda Stunner when sales volumes are considered. Hero's bike in this segment leads the charts in terms of fuel efficiency by running 69 kmpl, while Bajaj's offering follows closely at 68 kmpl. On the other hand, Japanese manufacturer's Stunner, which boasts of better looks than the two rivals, delivers mileage of 68.3 kmpl. Other Japanese bike makers are not far behind either, with Suzuki's Slingshot offering an average of 66 kmpl, while Yamaha's Gladiator travelling 65 km on a full tank. However, the leader in terms of mileage is the Bajaj XCD, which is said to deliver mileage of 125 kmpl under ideal conditions. The 135 cc version of Pulsar is known to offer fuel efficiency of 68.1 kmpl.
For a more powerful bike that offers decent fuel economy, consumers move towards the 150 cc segment. Yamaha SZ-R, Bajaj Discover 150, Honda Unicorn and Suzuki GS150 offer an average of 50, 55, 55 and 48 kmpl, respectively. On the other hand, mileages of Bajaj Pulsar 150 (68.1 kmpl), Hero CBZ Xtreme (65.1 kmpl), Honda Unicorn CB Dazzler (60 kmpl) and Hero Hunk (65.1 kmpl) are considerably higher. The fuel efficiency of the stylish and attractive Yamaha Fazer is close to 50 kmpl, which is similar to that of the recently upgraded TVS Apache 160. Pulsar 180 and new Apache 180 offer fuel efficiency of close to 58 kmpl and 50 kmpl, respectively.
The truly powerful bikes available in the mass market of the country are powered by 200 to 250 cc engine. Bajaj Pulsar 220 and Hero Karizma ZMR are the best known bikes in this segment and deliver mileages of 54.2 and 51 kmpl, under ideal conditions. Honda CBR 250R, on the other hand, offers paltry fuel efficiency of 30 kmpl. The cruiser bike in this market, Bajaj Avenger provides average of close to 50 kmpl, which is registered under testing conditions. All eyes will be set on the mileage of the upcoming Pulsar 200 NS, which is due to hit showrooms in Maharashtra next week, to determine the most fuel-friendly bike in this segment.
