The Meanest Vroom Machines
Bikes. Power. Speed. Enough said
1/9
BMW has more costly motorcycles, but none have the cache, image and versatility of the GS. The Adventure tag means it takes its off-road and circumnavigation roles seriously. The simple, rugged GS has also become a tech powerhouse with a part liquid-cooled engine, electronic systems and controls.
Specs: 1,170 cc, 110 PS, 229 kg
Price: Rs 20 lakh onwards (India)
2/9
Heralding the resurrection of Indian is the flagship Chief and this is the top model, the Chieftain. Its performance is effortlessly beyond the competition and has most of the optional cruiser features as standard. We haven’t seen a cruiser this capable in decades.
Specs: 1,819 cc, 162 Nm, 385 kg
Price: Rs 14.6 lakh (USA)
3/9
This is perhaps the most exotic sportsbike you can buy, with 195 PS on tap, a top speed well over 320 kmph and a monocoque chassis that likes to be taken by the scruff of the neck and ridden with top flight skill. It is, indeed, a thinking (read: wealthy) person’s sportsbike. What you need to think about is whether or not you’re good enough to own and ride one.
Specs: 1,195 cc, 195 PS, 165 kg
Price: Rs 40 lakh (approx)
4/9
The Mission is a rarity. It is an American sportsbike, loaded with exotic materials. The showstopper: A 160 PS electric motor that promises 240 kmph. It’s fast, clean, and a looker. Buy the GP Tech-equipped model and get upgrades on things like Ohlins suspension to the same ones the MotoGP boys have.
Specs: Electric, 160 PS
Price: Rs 46 lakh (USA)
5/9
Wondered what being strapped to a ballistic missile feels like? Get the ZX-14R, the world’s most powerful series production motorcycle. It is, however, restricted to 297 kmph. By role it is a tourer but by nature it is almost like a drag racer. The ZX-14R also enjoys corners.
Specs: 1,441 cc, 210 PS, 268 kg
Price: Rs 16.9 lakh (ex-Pune)
6/9
The Rocket III is the biggest series production engine on a motorcycle. The 2.3-litre triple is so big it is mounted lengthwise, creating a deliciously off-kilter asymmetric look. This is backed by torque that will out accelerate sports bikes. The Rocket III can be ridden gently, but is a tremendously potent motorcycle when you wind the throttle on.
Specs: 2,294 cc, 148 PS, 367 kg
Price: Rs 13 lakh (UK)
7/9
This is among the world’s best sporty-nakeds. Its 156 PS engine propels a great street motorcycle to a top speed of 265 kmph. The really cool thing is that it is for everyday use. Stand it in a parking lot anywhere in the world and the crowd will collect to ogle within moments.
Specs: 1,078 cc, 156 PS, 183 kg
Price: Rs 15.2 lakh (Europe)
8/9
The Aprilia is no longer new and yet swats competition away. It is not even the most powerful sportsbike anymore but its combination of sinewy, Italian looks, impossibly small dimensions, and stellar engine and chassis performance make it a legend. The new APRC version is the creme de la creme, including the best suspension, most advanced electronics and more.
Specs: 999.6 cc, 184 PS, 181 kg
Price: Rs 12.7 lakh (USA)
9/9
When MS Dhoni bought a Hellcat, people thought he’d gotten an exotic motorcycle. Not even close. The Fighter is the new one from Confederate. It looks angrily like something the Alabama firm would make. There are only 10 being made, with alloy bits and carbon fibre wheels.
Specs: 2150 cc, undisclosed engine output, 230 kg
Price: Over Rs 7 crore (USA)
More Photo Gallery
X