Indian bike market was dominated by 100cc commuter bikes in 90s. Things slowly changed and need for more powerful engine with good fuel efficiency emerged and 125cc started gaining ground. It is not far that 125cc and scooters would overshadow the popularity of 100cc segment. Things are once again changing with new generation asking for more and thus 150cc is the new segment which is gaining ground gradually. Time is not far when this would be the new commuter segment replacing 125cc. Here is the list of 7 bikes in 150cc segment which are arranged more for their fuel efficiency, price, speed, engine, ride, handling, design etc. than sales.
1. Suzuki Gixxer
Price: Rs. 77,030 (Ex Mumbai)
Engine: 154.9cc
Power: 14.8
Torque: 14Nm
Mileage: 56 kmpl Overall
Design: When it comes to looks Gixxer looks best, well, close to Yamaha FZ-S. If all the 5 bikes in the list are driven together on road than one that stands out is this bike. The big tank and the muscular finish give this bike a unique and very fresh look. Suzuki has very high levels of quality standards and once you look at the finish of the bike closely then you would realize that.
Engine : The bike has one of the biggest engines in this category with 154.9cc. It gets its power from 4 stroke, CV carburetor fed and SOHC engine with excellent torque output. Due to bigger engine the torque output stands at 14nm at 6000rpm and is extremely powerful that gives out 14.8PS of power at 8000rpm. It doesn’t ends here as you might be surprised by its kerb weight which is mere 135kg. The bike has better power in bottom and mid ranges and is not very rev happy at top speeds like nearly all the other motorcycle in the segment. It can go to extended distances zooming as high as 90kmph. In city rides too it gives a easy ride, thanks to the great engine refinement. The bike could go from 0-60kmph in just 5.61 seconds and 0-100kmph in 19.25 seconds which is one of the best in the segment. The true top speed is close to 116kmph.
Ride Quality : With powerful chassis this bike could take up all the punishments from the bad Indian roads. 1330mm wheelbase ensures that the turn-in and corner exists are very smooth. 41mm telescopic suspension in front with large front disc brakes adds to the comfort and handling of the bike. Big radial tubeless tyres at rear and excellent MRF tyres in front keeps Gixxer grounded at all speeds. Cornering is smooth even at high speeds and it is very stable while riding straight on highways. The front disc and rear drum brakes gives enough stopping power and stops it from 60kmph in just under 16.10m.
Fuel Efficiency: A decent overall mileage of 56kmpl makes this bike stand in the middle when it comes to average. Do not be alarmed by it as its other features are far better to ignore as compared to other bikes in 150cc category.
Verdict : If price is not an issue than this bike is best in the segment.
2. Bajaj Pulsar AS 150
Price: Rs. 82832(Ex Mumbai)
Engine: 150cc
Power: 17.0PS
Torque: 13.0Nm
Mileage: 55kmpl Overall
Design: Bajaj has now in total 6 Pulsars and smallest of them is AS 150 which has taken lot of design features from 200NS. The frame closely resembles 200NS, is fitted with same telescopic forks, gas charged rear mono shock etc. The good looks are enhanced by thick windscreen, vertical stacked projector and good looking headlight which works well in night. The build quality is better that it predecessors. Some are the panels though do not have very clean finish and could rattle a bit at high speeds. The seating position gives both comfort in city drives and comfortable posture even at high speeds.
Engine: The 4 valve 149.3cc single cylinder engine shares similar 56mm bore as Discover 150. The bike peak power is 17PS which is same as Yamaha R15 and lags slightly than Honda CBR150 R which stands at 18.5PS. Max. torque is 13Nm at 7000rpm and the gear change is soft. The bike could reach 100kmph in close to 21 seconds and could go up to 125kmph speed. Power is well distributed at all speed ranges and starts at low speeds. Once the bike reaches 6000rpm it gets a power boost which continues till 9000rpm after which it starts to go down.
Ride Quality: The riding position and suspension give more of sports street bike than smooth. The setup is softened unlike 200NS which is more of stiff so that people who are moving from older Pulsar models feel comfortable to ride it. The bike is fitted with MRF tyres which enhances the bike value even further. The ride quality is superb where the smaller holes on road would go completely unnoticeable and bigger ones would only be felt little. Front disc brakes are not very responsive and one has to struggle a bit to lock the front wheel. The rear brake however is aggressive and gives a good stop-ability to the bike. Bajaj might work on its brakes in its future variants and might try to bring in balance between them.
Fuel Efficiency: AS 150 gives an overall mileage of about 53kmpl. On city it would give a mileage of 51.5kmpl and on highways it could reach 57.5km on a litre of petrol.
Verdict: Pulsar gives out good value for money but with Rs. 82,832 (Ex. Mumbai) price tag it is costlier by Rs. 8500 than our top position holder Suzuki Gixxer. With this extra money you get a powerful motorcycle but with have to compromise slightly on finish, handling, build quality and overall might not get a great value for money bike.
3. Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i
Price: Rs. 71,583 (Ex Mumbai)
Engine: 149cc
Power: 15PS
Torque: 12.76Nm
Mileage: 58 kmpl Overall
Design : Pulsar 150 DTS-i is not the best looking bike though the new version is sleeker than the previous one. The bike does not look muscular as others in the segment and looks quite aged. However, smartened heel, domed cowl, analogue tachometer, refined tail are some of the better parts of the bike.
Engine: The 149cc engine gives out 15.06PS of power at 9000rpm and 12.76NM of torque at 6500rpm and is fitted with 5 speed manual sequential gearbox. The gearbox for this motorcycle is not very smooth and is a problem since it was launched.
Ride Quality : The ride quality is great and is suited for Indian roads. Suspension is designed considering the potholes which riders find often on Indian roads. Pillion seat is bit elevated which might not go well with lot of riders.
Fuel Efficiency: Yes, mileage is an issue for this bike as it gives an average of nearly 51kmpl on city roads and mere 57kmpl on highways that comes to about overall efficiency of 53kmpl. It hardly matters to people who love this brand and model.
Verdict : An aged motorcycle which is still a market leader. If you want to go with Bajaj than you might want to consider Discover 150 F as it is much cheaper.
4. Honda CB Unicorn 160
Price: Rs. 77,333 (Ex Mumbai)
Engine: 162.7cc
Power: 14.72PS at 8000rpm
Torque: 14.61Nm at 6000rpm
Mileage: 61.3 kmpl Overall
Design : When the competition is with likes of Gixxer, one needs to be exceptional in design and that is missing in Unicorn 160. The bike looks good but when you compare with others in the segment, there is a lack of punch. It is based on Honda CX01, the head turner which was seen in Auto Expo but lot of design elements were not transferred in Unicorn 160. The plastic panels on the sides are not of very high quality and seems flimsy. The bikini fairing looks more like lower end bikes and lacks premium touch. The build quality and low level of finish is not expected from Honda which excels in these areas.
Engine: The bike is fitted with 162.7cc air cooled, single cylinder engine that gives out maximum power of 14.71PS at 8000rpm and peak torque of 14.61PS at 6000rpm. Most of the torque comes in the higher rev ranges but starts at lower ranges which makes it one of the most powerful commuter. It works great in both scenario whether one wants to ride with gradual acceleration or zoom past the lower gears quickly to high speeds. It makes more torque then others in the segment despite the fact that its power output is similar to them.
Ride Quality : Honda has made an all new chassis for its Unicorn 160 with an aim to create lighter platform and is very successful in its attempt. Cornering, riding through city traffic or just leisure ride, everything is handled in an impressive way. Telescopic forks in front and preload adjustable monoshock at rear is well integrated to the frame that makes smaller road imperfections completely unnoticeable and minimizes the effects of bigger pot holes and bumps.
Fuel Efficiency: Honda has excelled on this front and is able to present a very fuel efficient bike which is one of the major reasons for its high sales. On city roads, the bike can easily go up to 60km on a litre of petrol and on highways it gives a very good average of 64.5kmpl.
Verdict : Buy Unicorn 160 for its engine refinement, performance and comfortable ride. Areas where it lacks punch are styling, fairing and lack of sporty looks.
5. Yamaha FZ-S V2
Price: Rs. 81,659 (Ex Mumbai)
Engine: 149cc
Power: 13.1PS
Torque: 12.8Nm
Mileage: 57.8 kmpl Overall
Design: Based on popular Yamaha FZ1, this FZV2 has got lots of tweaks from its predecessor and the new Yamaha FZ-S V2 is very fresh & muscular that makes it stand out. The build quality and finishing is great which is one of the strong points in all Yamaha bikes.
Engine : FZ-S V2 has a very smooth and efficient engine. With 149cc engine gives out 13.1PS of power at 8000rpm and the torque output stands at 12.8NM at 6000 rpm. Kerb weight is low at 132kg but acceleration from 0-100kmph is disappointing at 23.35s. The new model has shed lot of weight and the displacement is also axed.
Ride Quality : The reduction in the website of the bike has not made any difference in the ride quality but has enhanced it further. Fitted with great suspension and refined engine makes it takes all the bad roads and potholes with ease.
Fuel Efficiency: The mileage for this bike is not the best but it gives a decent average of over 55kmpl in city and 65.5kmpl on highways. The overall average is close to 58kmpl.
Verdict: The ride quality for FZV2 is great but the prices are a bit high as compared to others in the segment. If price is not an issue than you might want to buy it over Hero 150s.
6. Hero Motocorp Xtreme
Price: Rs. 72,483 (Ex Mumbai)
Engine: 149.2cc
Power: 14.4PS
Torque: 12.8Nm
Mileage: 57 kmpl Overall
Design : Xtreme is not one of the best looking bikes and lacks muscular punch like FZ-s & Gixxer. Xtreme looks better from rear but lack of sharp fairing gives it rather a dull look when compared to others in the segment. Since Xtreme does not comes in commuter segment, buyers would expect premium touch to everything as they are paying more for it. However the build quality and finish for this Hero Motocorp bike is good. Daytime LED above the headlight does not looks very good and seems like stretched forehead. When it comes to looks Hero bikes are not at par with their counterparts.
Engine : The 149.2cc engine gives out a peak torque of 12.8NM at 6500rpm and maximum power of 14.4PS at 8500rpm. The kerb weight is a bit high and stands at 146kg due to which it is bit mild when comes to performance. At high speeds even at 111.9kmph, it is smooth, less strained and quiet thanks to the strong refinement. The acceleration is not very good as it takes 26.5s to go from 0-100kmph, 7 seconds more than the best in this segment.
Ride Quality : It uses diamond frame with engine as stressed member of the frame. Telescopic forks in front and gas charged twin shocks at the rear works well and takes bad roads without any problem. The ride quality for the bike is good but with 18-inch fat tyres, the corner exits might not be very smooth but it is not very bad either. Others have only slight edge here. The brakes are good and the force buildup is quite smooth.
Fuel Efficiency: Bike gets an overall mileage between 53 to 58kmpl.
Verdict : One of the cheapest in the list, this bike is value for money motorcycle minus the acceleration thrill and looks.
7. Bajaj Discover 150 F
Price: Rs. 58,396 (Ex Mumbai)
Engine: 144.8cc
Power: 14.5PS
Torque: 12.75Nm
Mileage: 61.5 kmpl Overall
Design : The build quality and the finishing is not up to the mark. With so many options for Indian riders now, Bajaj might lose its first mover advantage soon if it does not work on the quality of design. When it comes to built and finish the bike does well but styling is also essential to do well in the showroom when people come to buy. The company might have wanted to woe the buyers for this segment who wanted a not so flashy motorcycle.
Engine : Discover 150 F carries smallest engine in this list. With 144.8cc engine this motorcycle gives 14.5PS of power at 8500rpm with a torque of 12.75Nm at 6500 rpm. The kerb weight is only 132kg. The bike is designed for city rides in the mid and low ranges and is not built for high end performances. On highways one might feel the vibrations even at 70kmph speed. At 80+kmph the bike might not be able to hold for long and might give uncomfortable feeling to the rider. The top speed of 110kmph is not something you would try often with this machine. One area where this bike excels is its first 60kms speed which it covers in 5.5 seconds but it goes to 100kmph lazily and takes 19.2 seconds.
Ride Quality: ABS is not even an option might be due to price constraint ot its buyers might not be interested in it. The wheel is 1305mm MRF Nylogrip tubeless tyres and is smallest in this list. It is quickest in the corners and sharp traffic signals. The city ride quality is very smooth and the bike is able to absorb pot holes and smaller bumps without passing it to rider. The front disc brakes are not the best and some hard liver movements might be required before the bike comes to stand still. The disc brakes feels more like a strong drum brakes.
Fuel Efficiency: Best in the class. Gives an average of 58.6kmpl on city roads and 71 on highways. With an overall efficiency of 61.5kmpl, one must give a thought for this if mileage is number one issue. If one wants to upgrade from 125cc and does not wants to buy a Pulsar or other costly options than Discover 150 F might be a good option.
Verdict : Decent commuter, great ride quality, fuel efficient and cheapest 150cc bike. Brakes and design might not be so great though. Riding this bike might not give premium feel as others in the list but looking at the price one has little to complain.
Comparison
| 150cc Bikes | Suzuki Gixxer Winner | Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi | Hero Xtreme | Bajaj Discover 150 F | Yamaha FZ-S V2 |
| Engine | Air-cooled single cylinder | Air-cooled single cylinder | Air cooled, single cylinder OHC | Air cooled, single cylinder | Air cooled, SOHC |
| Engine Capacity | 155 cc | 149 cc | 149.2 cc | 145 cc | 149cc |
| Max Power | 14 bhp @ 8000 rpm | 15 bhp @ 9000 rpm | 14 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 14.3 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 13 bhp @ 8000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 12 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 12.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 12.7 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 12.8 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Top Speed(kmph) | 108 | 112 | 112 | 110 | 107 |
| Mileage(overall) | 56 | 59 | 57 | – | 48 |
| Price(Ex-Mumbai) | 77,030 | 71,583 | 72,483 | 58,396 | 81,659 |
What is your take on this list? Do you feel the list is accurate ranking for the the top 5 150cc motorcycles?
27 Comments
You all should have to go through honda hornate bike because it is superb in every feild.
xtreme sports can reach 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds ,0-100 in little under 15 seconds . It can reach the top speed of 118 km/hr in little under a km and gives an all rounder mileage of 45-48 kmpl . Feels amazingly stable at 100 km/hr speed . Although many of them would not like its look or anything , but i want to make it clear that i love my bike , its motor is felt buttery smooth at the mid range at 4-5500 rpm at the speed of 65-70 , well thanks to its unmatched refinement , some of u will not understand if you want to know it take a test drive it and then say anything about it , in this site every thing is fake about the bikes .
In my opinion, R15 & CBR both r superb for itz Performance & Power, when it Goes for Handling, the right choice is Gixxer or FZ. i dnt think that hero Xtreme sports can even stand with them… The All rounder unicorn 150 is no longer available. so i think the best choice is Gixxer as it Gives Every thing we need… Superb milage, Nice torque & Amazing Handling,etc…..
Gixer is good bike but I am dissappointed by its suspension. The suspension is worst as it gives backpain. so, there is always this plus minus aspect in every bike.
yaa Gixxer is super…………..
ma fav bike is gixxer in evry feild…it can go for real adventure …. in every place
brand bajaj 150s discover is the worst engine noisy and waste of money.
Gixxer is awesome bike i never seen bike before like gixxer it has a top class facility specially gear showing technology and it is very fast bike in 150cc. And its a top class world ranking company Suzuki. Hero just a kid .
all fake review fz v2 is best in class topspeed 115 smooth engine best handling and decent milage of 45 in city traffic relaible engine resale value go for yamaha if price is not a issue im using it for 1year always go for international brand bajaj is the worst engine noisy
This is fake, FZS 2.0 is number 1
Guys you missed TVS Apache! Thats the best bike in the segment.
dude wat abt honda cbr 150r ? ?
Where is R15 man ??.. Best 150cc bike..even better than 200cc bikes..
i think the new hero Xtreme sport is much better than Gixxer and pulsar because of millage,value for money,quality,as well as safety. now a days most of the guys decide only look and style so don’t forget durable so my view i done a ride for hero Xtreme it is so nice and breaking is so nice. if you are fun guy you can choose fZ otherwise middle class guy go for hero.
If u wanna an awesome grip on road at high speed,, u should also try the gixxer,,,
i want best bike and price low super milage
What about Hero Hunk I think that is also a good option in 150cc bike
mine 2013 hero xtreme is worth the money, good milage, gud stability at high speed, it stands by its name. but latest model looks awful.
yu all said that gixxer is winner in its segment ,,, how have u not put 2015 xtreme sports in the list ,,, which is the best bike in its segment ,, when it comes to feul effitiency and price gixxer sucks ,, can looks alone can make gixxer a winner ,, without seeing the person who is driving a gixxer looks no better than a clown riding his bicycle ,,,gixxer is a flop bike when it comes to mature driving , only good fr the children who want toys fr playing n fr showoff
Gixxer is far faster and awesome in comparision to xtreme,,,, wanna race ?
dude gixxer is awesome bike. its’s superb Handling, so good Aerodynamics, high Pickup, or awesome looks, fully digital console with gear position and clock display very useful features. buttery smooth suzuki engine, with average of 50 to 54 kmpl (speed of 40 to 75) or awesome looks.
yes break system is less than because rear disc is not available in gixxer 150, apache or fz. but Technolgy is very best in gixxer. so gixxer is winner of me.
Take fz 16 power and top speed not a right answer because pulsar 150 is so weak then fz16
The description is good and helpful. And my views-
Fz is good but never fits in fuel efficient list 42-46. What I find is that Gixxer gives 50-55 & Xtream 48-50kmpl. A new pulser can give this milage but only for1-2 year. Discover is great and i think that you missed Suzuki Gs 150r.
Fastest 0-100, smoothest engine even at top speeds, strong build quality, advanced technology and reguler 52-56kmpl in real condition.
Are you sure Suzuki Gs 150r is better somebody tell that it engine condition is very bad once damage not repair
No chance of engine going bad. how you think engine will go bad soon.
Where is unicorn in your list?
honda unicorn 150 discontinued
honda unicorn 160 flop