The 150cc motorcycle segment is one of the most popular bike segments after the commuter class motorcycles. And within this segment, the premium 150cc motorcycles attract a lot of interest. In recent times, the 150cc segment has in fact gone on to include bikes with slightly more displacement - from 150cc, 155cc and 160cc - as several bikes in this list demonstrate.These are bikes which have stylish looks, decent fuel performance and good performance as well and cater to college-going youth and even young executives.
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(The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V gets new styling with top notch fit and finish)
This year, TVS launched the new-generation Apache RTR 160 4V, which takes the 150 cc - 160 cc game to the next level. The Apache RTR 160 gets its first significant upgrade, with new styling, new features and a new engine with four valves in the cylinder hence, the name 4V. The bike now gets a fresh new design, new body panels, attractive colour schemes and a completely new look and feel. The engine too has been thoroughly updated and it now makes 16.28 bhp at 8,000 rpm along with 14.8 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The engine is paired to a slick 5-speed gearbox. The bike is a lovely performer and has handling ability to boot as well. With prices starting from Rs. 81,490, the new-generation Apache RTR 160 4V sure is a solid deal.
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(The bike has a taller seat now along with lowered handlebars, making for a committed riding position)
The next new model that was launched in the 150 cc segment is the almost iconic new-generation Yamaha YZF R15 V3. This is the third generation model of the R15 and is currently perhaps the sportiest 150 cc bike in the country. The bike gets a complete revamp and now looks much more sexier with the YZF R1 inspired front end. The twin LED headlamp with an arrow shaped air vent in between ticks all the right boxes. Add to it the chiselled fuel tank and the sleek tailpiece and the bike is a looker, all right! Coming to the engine, the R15 gets an updated 155 cc single-cylinder motor that makes 19 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 15.1 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. Power to the rear wheel is delivered via a slick 6-speed gearbox. Available at a price of Rs. 1.25 lakh, it is the most expensive 150 cc bike that you can get your hands on. But if you do, you are in for a sweet ride.
(The Honda X-Blade was first showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo)
The Honda X-Blade is one of the quirkiest motorcycles in the 150 cc - 160 cc segment. It is the newest bike from Honda in a segment where the Japanese manufacturer already has the Unicorn 510, Unicorn 160 and the CB Hornet 160R. The Honda X-Blade gets brand new body-parts. The side panels, the fuel tank, the headlamp unit and the instrument console are all different. The X-Blade gets the same engine as the CB Hornet 160R, which is a 162.71 cc single-cylinder engine. The engine on the X-Blade makes 13.93 bhp at 8,500 rpm and peak torque is rated at 13.9 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The X-Blade definitely looks very different than any other motorcycle from the 150-160 cc segments. The crown jewel in the design, if we could call it so, will be the headlamp. Honda calls it the 'Robo-face' headlamp and we dare not disagree with them on that. It does attract attention on the road. The Honda X-Blade is priced at Rs. 79,059 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
(The Gixxer has always been one of the sportiest 150 cc naked bikes in the country)
The Suzuki Gixxer is one of the most popular motorcycle models for the Japanese manufacturer in India. Sharp and distinctive design, impressive performance and handling make it one of the best 150-160cc motorcycles currently on sale in India. The Gixxer's styling is not ground-breaking, but the muscular, sculpted naked street looks work well, giving it a robust and solid appearance. The all-digital instrument console has a host of readouts, including a very handy gear position indicator, the only one in its class to have one. The Suzuki Gixxer derives its name from the litre-class GSX1000R's nickname, but this one is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder, air-cooled motor which belts out 14.5bhp power at 8000rpm and peak torque of 14Nm at 6000rpm. At Rs 76,165 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Suzuki Gixxer offers a very good value for money product.
(The Honda CB Hornet 160R shares its engine and chassis with the X-Blade)
The Honda CB Hornet 160R is quite possibly one of the best looking premium 150-160cc bikes from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India. Overall, the bike has got edgy styling with sharp creases all over. Sharp tank shrouds leaning forward, which are part of the fuel tank than additional panels, a carbon fiber pattern cover on the top of the fuel tank, all digital speedometer, a stubby exhaust, a futuristic X-shaped LED taillight and fat tyres lend the Hornet 160R a sporty and premium look. The engine is essentially the same unit of the CB Unicorn 160's - a 163cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which has been tuned to make 15.7bhp peak power at 8500rpm and 14.76Nm of torque. At Rs 84,400 ex-showroom Delhi (for the CBS variant), the Honda CB Hornet 160R is an expensive proposition in this segment, but if you opt for single disc with rear drum brake, it's available for Rs 79,900 (ex-showroom Delhi).
