The automobile universe is ever increasing for the better. And Indians having an affinity towards motorcycles always want to be in the loop with every latest iteration of this varied and diverse cosmos. When it comes to buying a specific vehicle, be it a two or four-wheeler, it goes without saying that much consideration is made before taking that final leap. Affordability, efficiency, and practicality are the three main components every Indian desire to have in their motorcycle. The segment of 180cc bikes in India is ticking all those prerequisites just in the right order.
Best 180cc Bikes in India: 2022
1. TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS
Starting this list with none other than TVS Apache RTR 180, the elder sibling of RTR 160, who borrows the design fundamentals from the latter. Since 2012 as a rival of Pulsar NS 200, Apache RTR 180 is the first of its segment to feature dual-channel ABS. Considering an entry-level performance bike like Apache 180, this upgrade met with mostly positive feedback.
RTR 180 is powered by a 177cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, coming with a 5-speed gearbox. The only contribution from TVS on this list, Apache RTR 180, is highly capable of high-end power output, having a peak speed of 125km/h. Additionally, it can gain 0 to 100 in less than 13 seconds.
Now that much of its performance abilities are in front of us, let’s look at a few finer details. Apache RTR 180 renders a sporty appeal and outlook owing to an aggressive front with LED DRLs, engine cowls that are aerodynamic, providing ease of handling in the city limits, and comes with multiple colour options, out of which matte is the most preferred one. With BS-VI compliance, dual discs have become standard along with ABS.
While an average mileage of 45 km/litre is there, among 180cc bikes in India, RTR 180 has become a people’s favorite, coming in the price range of 1.1 lakhs INR (ex-showroom price in Delhi).
2. Bajaj Pulsar 180
Did you know that it was Bajaj who redefined the 180cc genre with their multiple contributions? Bajaj Pulsar 180 is one of the most familiar-looking bikes on the Indian streets since its siblings sport little alterations.
Deriving its power from a 178cc BS-VI compliant engine, with a kerb weight of 151 kg and a fuel tank of 15 litres, Pulsar 180 comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The latest models come with dual discs and ABS as standard, giving Pulsar 180 an edge.
Bajaj Pulsar 180 has an ex-showroom price of Rs. 1.12 lakhs, and the after-sales maintenance charges are also relatively cheap – the reason for its widespread circulation. Although the overall design and body ergonomics are not top-of-the-line, it bears well in the Indian market for sheer brand value and other features that have seen upgrades (like the semi-digital instrument cluster, LED tail lamp, double-cradle frame) after its inception in 2001.
3. Bajaj Pulsar 180F
Although same, Bajaj Pulsar 180F deviates from Pulsar 180 in terms of body characteristics, colour options and styling kit. The segment of 180cc bikes in India has found another worthy addition with Bajaj’s beefed-up variant of Pulsar 180. Coming with the same 178cc air-cooled single-cylindrical fuel-injection engine, coming with a 5-speed manual gearbox delivering 45/litres of mileage.
Comfort, efficiency and handling are three major sections Pulsar 180F excels at. Telescopic and Nitrox shock absorber suspensions ensure comfort; Driving efficiency is there with tubeless alloy wheels, and optimum handling demands for good graces from the Pulsar 220 model.
The Neon ABS variant sits at 1.15 lakhs INR. 180F competes with many upper-echelon bikes such as Yamaha FZ S 3.0, Hero Xtreme 200S, and Apache RTR 180 ABS.
4. Honda Hornet 2.0
Honda Hornet goes a little above average price range (ex showroom 1.28 lakhs INR), but makes up for it well. The colour matte is the most prominent among its while the Repsol Edition of Honda Hornet 2.0 price goes for Rs. 1.3 lakh.
From the manufacturing giant that gave us CBR 190R, Honda Hornet 2.0 is, to put it simply, a naked street-fighter. Hornet boasts an engine capacity of 184cc, coming with a 5-speed manual gearbox and 12-litre fuel tank. Immensely powerful (17.03 bhp/16.2Nm) and visually stunning, Honda Hornet 2.0, among the180cc segment in India, probably tops the list.
It comes with features like fully-digital LCD instrument cluster, hazard switch, LED head/taillights, ever since Hornet replaced CBR 160. Single-channel ABS and dual disc brakes further extend their popularity among the young generation. It features an upside-down fork at the front, which is also the first in its segment. Honda Hornet 2.0 delivers an engaging tale of premium driving quality with every ride.
Why The 180cc Bikes?
Why 180cc bikes in India are constantly on the wish list of many potential buyers – well, more than one reason goes into this. The prime reason of it being 180cc bikes brings the best of both 150cc AND 200cc motorcycles. To elaborate, on most occasions, people purchase 150cc bikes in India due to their low maintenance, above-average power and fuel efficiency. While the 200cc buying public only wishes for better performance. Thus, the 180cc bikes, help the two separate audiences meet halfway.
Some of the best 180cc bikes in India, provide a superior mileage of 40-45 km, power output close to the 200cc variants, while giving low maintenance charges, are making a majority of the audience lean towards the 180cc bike segment. The top 180cc bikes in India come from beloved brands like Bajaj, TVS and Honda. A list of 180cc bikes in India is given above, for your reference.
Final Verdict
Since the segment of 180cc bikes in India is limited (for now), experimenting with them isn’t beneficial to buyers. Therefore, every possible outcome, in accordance with budget and demand, must be contemplated before a final deal is made. If you’re looking for a 180cc bike, you might also want to know if your choice made to our list of the Top 9 fastest bikes in India.
