5 most popular bikes in India

5. Royal Enfield Classic

The ride of the royals is at number five. The majestic Royal Enfield Classic 500cc and 350cc are one of their kind. The aura of this bike is far superior to any other. No matter how hard I try to be unbiased it shows itself up; this is one of my personal favourites. Now this is a bike which has a lineage of over 64 years, since 1948 when it first went into production.

This bike isn't one of the best bikes in terms of mileage but the respect and command it demands and receives is what brings this bike in this list of top 10 most popular bikes.

Royal Enfield Classic -- truly, 'born of a rich heritage and bred with royal elegance.'

4. Bajaj Discover

At the fourth position is the Bajaj Discover. Recently, within the span of a month Bajaj launched the Bajaj Discover 100 4G and Bajaj Discover 125 ST. The price range for Bajaj Discover is Rs 41,736 to Rs 47,030 (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Bajaj Discover with their 'Discover India with the power of 1 litre' positioned Discover as one of the most fuel efficient bikes in their specific segment, making them very popular.

The company claims mileage of the bike is 82 kmpl in the city. In 2008, the 100 cc segment Discover DTS-Si sold about 1,00,000 units within the first 50 days of its launch. It was this bike that helped Bajaj make its standing in the commuter segment.

3. Yamaha Fazer

Yamahar Fazer, the bike that says 'No distance too far' stands at number two. The bike has a displacement of 153 cc and looks that makes it stand apart.

The bike is a decent ride overall with a power of 14Ps and a mileage of 43.4 kmpl in the city. The bike starts from a modest price of Rs 72,000 approximately (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The bike goes up to 108.8 kmph and accelerates from 0 to 60 in merely 5.2 seconds.

2.TVS Apache RTR 180 

PRICE 77294-88000

Sharp design elements, including LED DRLs with pilot lamps lend the Apache RTR 180 aggressive looks. The engine, tank and tail cowls are styled with aerodynamic race design and also get racy decals. The instrument panel gets an LCD display showing speedometer, odometer, two trip meters, clock, lap timer and fuel gauge, with a large analog tachometer. The engine, alloy wheels and exhaust get an all-black treatment and overall fit and finish of the Apache RTR 180 is quite good.

The Apache RTR 180 is powered by a 177.4cc single cylinder, four stroke engine which produces 17.5PS of power and 15.5Nm of maximum torque. This engine offers entertaining performance with a strong mid range and peppy throttle response. The downside though is on the higher revs, so at higher speeds, the Apache RTR 180 feels harsh. In city conditions however, this is a bike which feels eager to move. The chassis and suspension together provides great ride and handling and the bike can be flicked around with ease. Petal discs both front and rear, give superior braking and with an optional ABS also available, the TVS Apache RTR 180 offers the best brakes in its segment together with crackling low and mid range performance. Best part is the price which is very very competitive and offers a lot of features on the Apache RTR 180, and offers performance which is available at much more expensive bikes. And this, together with decent mileage, makes the TVS Apache RTR 180 a very attractive motorcycle to own. For a price under Rs 80,000, the TVS Apache RTR 180 is very good value for money.

1. Bajaj Pulsar

Presenting the most popular bike in the country -- no prizes for guessing -- the most popular bike in the country. Even after a decade the drum rolls Bajaj Pulsar Series ranks first in the list of most popular bikes.

This series of bikes has taken Bajaj up and away to the top and helps Bajaj stay put at that position. The riders just don't seem to get enough of this range. This might not be a favourite amongst the bike enthusiasts but the general public seems to love this to no limit.

The series has a range of bikes starting from 135 cc, 150 cc, 180 cc to 220 cc. The newly unveiled Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS will soon be added to this list.

The bike is ever so glorious in a price range of Rs 52,997 to Rs 100,000 approximately. The first Pulsar model was the 150 cc one and since that launch Bajaj has not looked back.

Till April 2012, Pulsar has sold more than five million units. This number in itself says a lot about the bike. Whether you personally like the bike or not, the numbers are continuing to make Bajaj Pulsar very happy and the popularity of this bike is simply unmatched.