Look around, and you’ll find several types of bikers, some for cruisers, some for exercise bikes. Many like to crank the engine to the max, while others find solace and peace of mind when they drive into the unknown. All experiences have their own charm.
But one thing is certain; You cannot enjoy the ride unless you have the right motorbike to accompany you.
For experienced riders, the perfect bike is one that satisfies their hunger for power and offers exceptional rideability. And the 400-650 cc motorcycle category in India lives up to that promise.
Leading the pack, we have a bike from Royal Enfield, which has truly changed the touring game for India’s youth.
Be it the 500 Classic or the Thunderbird, there’s no denying that the RE has become the dream bike of millions across India. We’re already seeing huge excitement for the upcoming 650 Continental Twins.
But while we wait for the Twins to hit the road, here are some interesting motorcycle models that have impressed us with their capabilities.
1). Honda CBR650F
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There is no denying that the Honda CBR is one of the most recognizable nameplates around the world. In India; However, the CBR brand was not put to good use by the makers, with their low selling models such as the CBR 150R and CBR 250R failing to impress the youth.
But that changed quickly with the launch of the CBR 650F. With an inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 648.7 cc engine capable of producing 62.9 Nm of torque and 87 PS of power, the CBR 650F offers the coveted combination of power and ride comfort. Well, this is what a real flagship model looks like!
2). Royal Enfield 500 cartridge
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Packing the old-school charm of a retro roadster, the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 needs no introduction. A strong offering of RE memories from the past, with a classic basic design from the older Bullets.
The bike even features body panels and a tank with the pin-stripping done by hand. The power center is a re-iteration of the air-cooled, single cylinder, 499 cc carburetor engine that produces 26.3 PS of power and 40.9 Nm of torque.
Not surprisingly, the Bullet 500 is the most preferred motorcycle for riders to hike the Himalayan highways.
3). Royal Enfield Classic 500
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It’s no exaggeration to say that the Bullet 500 is probably the best-looking in the Royal Enfield lineup. This premium tourer is a treat for sore eyes with an abundance of paint options, old world charm and rideability like no other.
Under its skin, this premium bike packs a 499 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine. As a result, the bike produces 27.5 PS of power and 41.3 Nm of torque – something that even the iconic Bullet 500 couldn’t do.
4). Benelli TNT 600 GT
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The Italian motorcycle maker is known for their aggressive and equally impressive line of streetfighters. With TNT 600 GT; however, Benelli tries to present a powerful sports tourer that is as strong as it is practical. Needless to say, this stands out from the rest of Benelli’s range and is one of the most sought after 600 cc motorcycles in India.
At its heart, the Benelli TNT 600 GT is powered by a 600 cc, inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that develops 54.6 Nm of torque and 85 PS of power. Most importantly, the price of this bike is aggressive, much lower than its twin cylinder counterparts.
5). Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500
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If the Classic 500 is the most beautiful Royal Enfield has to offer, the Thunderbird 500 is the most comfortable tourer on the list. This feisty motorcycle features low cruiser ergonomics, a high-raised handlebar and a low-split seat.
At its core, the bike features a single-cylinder, air-cooled, 499 cc fuel-injected engine that develops 27.5 PS of power and 41.3 Nm of torque. Overall, the Thunderbird 500 is a trustworthy companion and a pleasure to drive on the twisty Himalayan highways.
6). Royal Enfield Continental GT
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With Triumph Thruxton upgraded to the 1200 cc café racer category, the Royal Enfield Continental GT is now officially India’s only under 700 cc café racer, before the 650 Twins hit the showroom.
Royal Enfield is known for going against all odds when it comes to designing high-performance motorcycles and surprising us with their ingenuity. The Continental GT is also an ambitious take on the classic cafe racers in the European market, with a single seat, bar-end mirrors and a rear cowl.
This flagship motorbike is powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled bored-out engine with a capacity of 535 cc which is capable of producing up to 29.5 PS of power and 44 Nm of torque. Without a doubt, this bike is one of the strongest supporters in the 400-650 category.
While foreign motorcycle brands such as Benelli, Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki and Ducati are slowly making their way into the mainstream, the younger generation continues to be surprised by the ‘Indian’ Royal Enfield. And with the upcoming 650 Twins, Indian bike makers seem in no mood to give up their market dominance.
Both of them Royal Enfield Twins 650 cc – The Continental GT and Interceptor are expected to feature some of the best performance and drivability we’ve seen or heard of. And of course, they generated a lot of hype leading up to their launch.
To our surprise, all the hype has even impacted the bike insurance sector. As a result, major insurance offers are affordable bicycle insurance on existing motorcycle models and preparing to introduce more competitive offerings on comprehensive two-wheeler insurance.
Comprehensive bicycle insurance is not required by law, but it is highly recommended to opt for the same if you are going to purchase any of the two-wheeler models mentioned above or any other bicycle of your choice. This will offer not only third party liability protection but also ‘self damage’ and ‘personal accident’ protection.
So if you’re all ready and excited about the launch of the 650 twin, start saving, do your research and be sure to check out all the comprehensive bike insurance plans available to keep you and your wheeled beauty safe.
