Two-wheelers in India are primarily used as an affordable means of transport. Bikes with small engine capacities are not only fuel efficient but also are easy to maintain because of their simple yet robust engineering.
Yes, the mid-capacity is booming, but those motorcycles are more of a luxury than a need. The massive sales numbers of the 100 - 125 cc motorcycles are a true testimony to this fact. Here are the ten bikes in the country that are the most fuel efficient. The fuel efficiency (FE) numbers are as per the ARAI figures. These numbers often differ from the actual conditions, due to various variables like terrain, traffic, climate, load etc. But, the figures give us a fair idea of how frugal the motorcycle is.
10. TVS Victor, Mileage: 72 km/l
The new TVS Victor 110 brings out the charm of the older generation bike, but with a more modern package. The motorcycle features a front petal disc brake as an option; and 5-step adjustable series spring rear suspension as standard. The 109.7 cc Ecothrust engine makes 9.6 PS at 7,500 rpm; and 9.4 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. It works in conjunction with a 4-speed transmission. The bike will set you back by INR 55,295 for the front disc brake variant, ex-showroom, Delhi.
9. Suzuki Hayate EP, Mileage: 76 km/l
The Suzuki Hayate EP is the lesser-known motorcycle in the sea of budget commuter bikes. However, the bike gives out a solid claimed mileage of 76 km/l, thanks to the SEP technology. SEP (Suzuki Eco Performance) ensures good efficiently without sacrificing performance. The 113 cc all-aluminium SOHC 2-valve engine is good for 8.7 PS at 7,500 rpm. Peak torque of 9.3 Nm comes in at 5,000 rpm. The ex-showroom Delhi price stands at INR 52,953.
8. Yamaha Saluto RX, Claimed Mileage: 82 km/l
The Yamaha Saluto RX draws power from a 110 cc SOHC 2-valve Blue Core engine. The mill generates 7.5 PS at 7,000 rpm and 8.5 Nm at 4,500 rpm. The engine sits inside a lightweight diamond type frame. Speaking of the weight, the motorcycle tips the scales at just 98 kg, kerb. This makes the bike easily manoeuvrable in city traffic. The bike costs INR 48,721, ex-showroom, Delhi.
7. Mahindra Centuro, Mileage: 85.2 km/l
The Mahindra Centuro is the most tech-laden motorcycle in its segment. Features like a 96-bit encrypted remote flip key; find me lamps; guide lamps (stays on for some time after switching off the ignition) make the bike very practical. The 106.7 cc single cylinder mill features MicroChip-Ignited (MCi-5) curve with a patented lubrication system that adapts to terrain; for optimum pickup and mileage. The powerplant produces 8.5 PS at 7,500 rpm, and 8.5 Nm at 5,500 rpm. A front petal disc brake is an option. The ex-showroom, Delhi price for the bike starts from 53,290 for the NXT variant.
6. Hero HF series, Mileage: 88.5 km/l
The Hero HF series comprises of three models: Hero HF Dawn, HF Deluxe, and HF Deluxe Eco. The Eco variant comes with Hero’s i3S technology which automatically switches off the engine after idling for a while. The engine turns back on by pulling the clutch lever. This system helps in conserving fuel, especially in traffic. The three motorcycles employ 97.2 cc single cylinder mill. It gives out 8.36 PS at 8,000 rpm, and 5.05 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The HF Deluxe starts from INR 42,832 for the kick-start, drum brake spoke wheel variant. The HF Deluxe Eco costs INR 47,459, ex-showroom, Delhi. The ex-showroom, Bhubaneshwar price of the HF Dawn stands at INR 37,400.
5. Hero Splendor series, Mileage: 93.2 km/l
The Hero Splendor range is the brand’s most popular and arguably the best-selling series in the country. The Splendor Pro, Splendor + both use the same 97.2 cc OHC engine. It is capable of pushing 8.36 PS at 8,000 rpm, and 8.05 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The Splendor + starts from INR 48,520 for the kick-start, drum, spoke wheel; and the Splendor Pro costs INR 49,598 for the base variant. Both prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
4. TVS Sport, Mileage: 95 km/l
The TVS Sport is the brand’s smallest capacity motorcycle currently. The motorcycle has a generous 10-litre fuel tank for maximum range. The 99.7 cc Duralife engine puts out 7.4 PS of power and 7.5 Nm of torque. The motorcycle comes with a 5-year warranty, and the cost of the bike starts from INR 39,963 for the kick-start spoke wheel variant. Recently, TVS launched the Sport Silver Alloy Edition commemorating the bike’s 20 lakh sales milestone since its launch.
3. Bajaj Platina ComforTec, Mileage: 96.9 km/l
The Bajaj Platina ComforTec boasts of not only an efficient engine but also gets a host of comfort-enhancing features. The Platina comes with 28% longer travel front telescopic suspension and 22% longer rear twin SNS shock absorbers resulting in superior absorption of jerks, therefore delivering maximum comfort to the rider. It also sports a ‘spring-soft’ seat, rubber footpads and Ceat directional tyres that enhance ride comfort and stability. The 102 cc engine is good for 7.9 PS at 7,500 rpm, and 8.34 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The bike’s ex-showroom Delhi price stands at INR 47,155.
2. Bajaj CT100B, Mileage: 99.1 km/l
The Bajaj CT100B is one of Bajaj’s most affordable commuter motorcycles. The fuel-efficient 99.27 cc mill comes in CT 100 KS (Kick Start) Alloy & CT 100B variants. It makes 8.2 PS at 7,500 rpm, and 5.05 Nm at 4,500 rpm. The CT100 ES (Electric Start) comes with a bigger, slightly less frugal 102 cc engine, along with slight visual changes. It makes 7.7 PS at 7,500 rpm, and 8.24 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Both the variants come with a telescopic front fork and SNS rear suspension. The CT100B & CT100 KS Alloy cost INR 30,714 and INR 31,802 respectively. The ES Alloy variant costs INR 39,985. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
1. Hero Splendor + i3S, Mileage: 102.5 km/l
The Hero Splendor + i3S uses the same engine as the Splendor + and the Splendor Pro. But thanks to the i3S technology, the engine enjoys an enhanced mileage. With a 11-litre fuel tank and a low kerb weight of 109 kg (kick), you can truly fill-it, shut-it and forget-it. The bike comes only in one variant- self-start, drum brake, alloy wheel. It costs INR 51,911, ex-showroom, Delhi.
[Fuel Efficiency Source: Autocar India]
