150 to 180cc motorcycles for 2014

The 150cc and above segment has witnessed a huge bump in sales in the recent years. This increase in sales can be credited to the youngsters who prefer powerful bikes as their first motorcycle. Also the 150 to 180cc segment bikes have a good amalgamation of performance and fuel efficiency which adds to their appeal. 2014 wouldn’t be much different from the past a few mew offerings would be added this year to this segment and with Hero updating its CBZ Xtreme with cosmetic and feature updates and Bajaj would finally bring in the new Pulsar 180 based on the 200NS.

Note: Pic for representation only

Hero MotoCorp new CBZ Xtreme

Expected Launch: Early 2014

Expected Price: Rs 73,000 to 75,000

The CBZ Xtreme has brought commendable success for the country’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the 150cc segment and for 2014 it would be updated with a few new features and revised styling. It now gets an electronic immobiliser, which doesn’t let the engine start if an in-correct key is inserted in the ignition and helps in the safekeeping of the motorcycle. Other additions on the up-dated CBZ Xtreme include new instrument cluster, restyled headlight, fuel tank, LED taillight and mobile charger point. Apart from this it also sports a side stand switch that disconnects ignition in case a rider forgets to pull up the stand before riding, which is a segment first. No changes has been made to the bikes powerplant and it would be powered by the same 149.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder mill producing 14.4PS of power and 12.8Nm of torque.

Note: Pic for representation only

Bajaj Pulsar 180

Expected Launch: Late 2014

Expected Price: Rs 75,000

The Pulsar 180 was one of the pioneers in the affordable performance segment and made the Pulsar brand etched in the hearts of every two-wheeler enthusiast in the country. Sadly that cannot be said of the current Pulsar 180 as it has been in the market for too long and needs an update urgently. Gladly, Bajaj hasn’t ignored it as there are hushed rumors that it is planning to finally update its 180cc offering. The changes wouldn’t be only restricted to mechanical front as the bike would be updated cosmetically also.

The new 180cc offering’s design language would be heavily based on the Pulsar 200NS and the same would be the case in is underpinnings. It is expected that Bajaj would endow it with triple spark and 4-valves technology to hike the power to around 20PS while also improving its efficiency. It is also likely that the Pulsar 180 might sport the same six-speed transmission as found on the 200NS as the current gearbox has inherent trouble with false neutrals.