Top Five Influential Indian Motorcycles: The People's Vote

Published May 12, 2019
Views : 12784
2 min read

The top 5 bikes that shaped the Indian 2-wheeler space in the 21st century according to you, the people

Last week, we posted a poll of 10 bikes and asked you, the enthusiasts, to vote for 5 bikes. Bikes you thought revolutionised the Indian two-wheeler space in the 21st century. You delivered in spades and here is the list. A list of 5 game-changing bikes voted by the people.

5. KTM 390 Duke (first-gen):
A bike that gave enthusiasts a proper taste of performance. The KTM-Bajaj alliance was a masterstroke as well, allowing KTM to offer amazing value for money and being affordable to maintain as well.

Also read: 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM 390 Duke: Comparison Review

4. Hero-Honda Karizma (first-gen):
Interestingly, both the 390 Duke and Karizma garnered an equal number of votes. That despite being launched more than a decade apart. While the KTM offered performance, the Karizma offered a premium big bike feel. It became the aspirational bike of its time.

Also read: Hero Xtreme 200S - First Ride Review

3. Royal Enfield Classic 350:
While earlier Enfields catered to a more mature audience, the Classic 350 reached out to the younger yuppie crowd. It was not just influential in India but also abroad, where it made a strong case for entry-level retro bikes. Arguably, Royal Enfield's most successful product, it made retro bikes cool.

2. Bajaj Pulsar 150/180 (first-gen):
Performance for the masses. That's the first-generation Pulsar in a nutshell. While the CBZ can be credited with providing a serious alternative to 2-stroke performance, the Pulsar’s brilliant pricing made it affordable to the masses. It opened doors for performance bikes in India.

1. Yamaha R15 (first-gen):
A bike that taught enthusiasts that you don't always need higher-capacity bikes to enjoy yourselves. India’s first liquid-cooled bike, the R15 convinced other bike makers that there is a market for technologically advanced bikes in India. It has been so successful that eight years later, the first-generation still sells in good numbers, alongside the third-generation R15 -- so much has its impact been on society.

Bonus:

5. Royal Enfield Himalayan: The bike that kicked started the entry-level ADV segment in India. And this was not a hack job but a proper built from the ground up bike that could have ADV bikes twice its price break a sweat.

Royal Enfield Himalayan:
The Royal Enfield Himalayan garnered the sixth-highest number of votes. It is the bike that kicked started the entry-level ADV segment in India. And this was not a hack job but a proper built from the ground up bike that could have ADV bikes twice its price break a sweat.

KTM 390 Duke (2017-2023) Video Review

Was this article helpful

Yes No

Add Your Comments

View all comments

Benjamin Gracias | 7 years ago @sathish a few people did point out the RX 100 but it was launched in the last century and was quite influential then. 0 Reply

Benjamin Gracias | 7 years ago @priyangshu, The Hero CBZ was launched in 1999 and the list is about top influential bikes of the 21-st century. Hence it is not on the list. 0 Reply

Nandan | 7 years ago The king is the ONE AND ONLY PULSAR 0 Reply

Sathish | 7 years ago I 'mostly' agree with readers' choice. I didn't see last week's post of 10 bikes from which these 5 have been chosen.. Curious to know if RX100 made it to that List ! 1 Reply

Priyangshu | 7 years ago Where is the CBZ king? You people talk about bikes, go first check facts!! 0 Reply

Benjamin Gracias | 7 years ago @Arun The Mojo hasnt really been influential enough compared to other bikes on the list. These bikes have started a trend or compelled other manufacturers to come up with similar products. Thats not really the case with the Mojo. ...Read More 1 Reply

Arun | 7 years ago Mahendra Mojo bike is a good one why it's not I the list 0 Reply