CBZ Xtreme (Hero Honda)
Type: Tubular, Diamond type
Displacement: 149.2cc
Max power: 10.6kw (14.4 Ps) @ 8500 rpm
Kerb weight: 141kg (kick)/143kg (self-start)
Ignition & carburettor: Advance Micro Processor System
Transmission: 5 speed gears
Brakes: Front disc/ Rear drum
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 12.3lt (0.8lt)
Price: Rs 141,900
The stylish new Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme was among the most highly rated bikes during our test rides, with Ameet, Manchin, and Pravin all placing it among their top picks in the 150cc category. "In the month since it's launch, we've already sold 500 of these in Nepal," says Dinesh Shrestha, sales manager at Syakar Company Ltd. Our test drivers were impressed by the bike's suspension, easy handling at speeds of around 80km/h, and smooth brakes. Their only dissent was with the bike's front design; as Pravin said, "Having a front visor with attached side lights is a bit odd, and the side mirrors could do with being plain black. The front needs a more aggressive design." Manchin also thought the tyres should be heavier, but apart from that the guys were ready to recommend it, especially for a younger, more adventurous crowd.
Design and build: 3.5
Chassis and suspension: 4
Standard equipment: 4
Ride and handling: 4.5
Braking: 4
Value for money: 4
Overall test ride rating: 4
Glamour (Hero Honda)
Displacement: 125cc
Max power: 6.72kw (9 bhp) @ 7000 rpm
Kerb weight: 125kg (kick)/ 129kg (self-start)
Ignition & carburettor: Advance Micro Processor System
Transmission: 4 speed gears, Constant Mesh
Brakes: Front disc 240mm/ Rear drum 130mm
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 13.6lt/ 1lt
Price: Rs 122,900
The Hero Honda Glamour lived up to it's name with Ameet, Pravin, and Rekesh all giving it kudos for it's slim body and aggressive looks. However, while Ameet and Pravin deemed it suitable for young city commuters, the guys said the bike lacked the smoothness and suspension to handle off-road conditions. Pravin also said that while it had the reliability that comes from being a Hero Honda, the Glamour isn't as economical as the Hero Honda Splendor. Still, the bike's stylishness, including it's star wheels, graphics, and black engine literally make it an attractive option.
Design and build: 3
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 3
Braking: 4
Value for money: 3
Overall test ride rating: 3
Gladiator (Yamaha)
Type: Single cylinder, Air cooled, 4-Stroke, SOHC
Displacement: 123.7cc
Max power: 8.0kw (11 Ps) @ 7500 rpm
Kerb weight: 123kg (standard)/ 127kg (deluxe)
Ignition: Kick/ electric start, DC CDI
Transmission: 5 speed gear, Constant Mesh
Brakes: Front Drum 240mm/ Disc 150mm/ Rear drum
Fuel tank (total): 13lt
Price: Rs 123,900 (deluxe)/ Rs 112,750 (standard)
The Yamaha Gladiator was a hit with Ameet, Manchin, and Pravin, who appreciated its engine smoothness, brakes, and sleek gearbox. While Ameet enthused about the Gladiator's torque and pickup, Manchin noted that it also handles normal speeds well. "It doesn't have a tachometer, which it deserves. But it has both power and economy," says Pravin. The Yamaha Gladiator is ideal for younger city riders, and our test riders placed it as having particularly good value for money.
Design and build: 4
Chassis and suspension: 4
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 5
Braking: 4
Value for money: 4.5
Overall test ride rating: 4.5
Avenger (Bajaj)
Type: 4-stroke, DTS-i
Displacement: 180cc
Max power: 16.5 bhp/ 12.15kw @ 8000 rpm
Ignition: Kick/ electric start
Transmission: 5 gears speed
Brakes: Front hydraulically operated/Rear drum
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 14lt/3.4lt
Price: Rs 152, 900
The Bajaj Avenger got a thumbs-up from Ameet, Manchin, and Pravin for its pickup and "mind-blowing horsepower". Pravin also approved of the "long, stable chassis, great for high-speed cruising". However, the long chassis does tend to make turning slow, and the bike's shock absorbers had trouble handling the potholes and bumps. Our riders recommended the Bajaj Avenger for older riders, and said it's best for long tours and "Yankee-style long, straight, smooth road cruising."
Design and build: 4
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 4
Ride and handling: 4
Braking: 3.5
Value for money: 3
Overall test ride rating: 4
G5 (Yamaha)
Type: Air cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, two valve
Displacement: 106cc
Max power: 7.6 Ps (5.59kw @ 7500 rpm)
Ignition & carburettor: CDI system (Digitally Timing Advance) and Variable Venturi Type
Transmission: 4 speed gears
Brakes: Front drum (leading)/ Rear drum (leading)
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 13lt/ 1.7lt
Price: Rs 107,750
The Yamaha G5 got the highest rating for value for money from Alka, Ameet, and Rekesh. Although it lacks disc brakes, it was comfortable and had smooth gear transmission, and despite being just 106cc impressed our riders. Ameet commented, "It has nice pickup and torque, and is even good on gravel roads." It also has fairly good mileage, so is recommended for riders looking for a good bike at an economical price.
Design and build: 4
Chassis and suspension: 3.5
Standard equipment: 4
Ride and handling: 4
Braking: 3.5
Value for money: 5
Overall test ride rating: 4
Discover (Bajaj)
Type: 4-stroke, Air cooled, DTSI
Displacement: 124.52cc
Max power: 8.47kw/ 11.51pfs@ 8000rpm
Kerb weight: 170kg
Ignition: Kick/ self start
Transmission: 5 speed gears
Brakes: Front/Rear 130mm
Fuel Tank (total/reserve): 10lt, 2.3lt
Price: Rs 116,000
Our test riders Manchin, Monalisa, and Rekesh found the Bajaj Discover to be a good choice for people looking for an economical bike, as its mileage is a major selling point. However, they felt that it lacked clearance and should have disc brakes. Overall, they deemed the bike suitable for older city riders, looking for good mileage and easy riding.
Design and build: 2.5
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 3
Braking: 3
Value for money: 3
Overall test ride rating: 3
Pulsar (Bajaj)
Type: 4-stroke, Air cooled, DTSI
Displacement: 149.01cc
Max power: 10.37kw (14.09bhp)
Kerb weight: 143kg
Ignition: Kick/ electric start
Transmission: 5 speed gears
Brakes: Front hydraulically operated disc/ Rear mechanically expanding drum
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 15lt/ 2lt
Price: 146,900
The newly remodelled Bajaj Pulsar got mixed reviews from Ameet, Manchin, and Pravin. A lot of the bike's changes were external ones, and Ameet and Pravin approved of the smooth finishing, LCD speedometer, the new front visor, and the LED backlight. However, they weren't so impressed with the bike's pickup and also commented that when the tank is full it can make the bike quite heavy. The bike is also very low, which taller riders like Manchin may have a problem with. Overall, the test riders said this good-looking bike is probably best for younger riders, especially those who like to modify their bikes.
Design and build: 4
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 4
Ride and handling: 4
Braking: 4
Value for money: 4
Overall test ride rating: 4
CY 125-20 (Cosmic)
Type: 4-stroke, Single cylinder, Air cooled
Displacement: 125cc
Max power: 7kw/ 8500rpm
Ignition: Kick/ electric start
Transmission: 5 speed gears
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 14lt
Price: Rs 96,000
Cosmic Motorcycle's CY20 has been on the market for less than half a year, and Ritesh Shrestha, technician at Avco, says it "suits the current trends as well as budget." Our test riders Alka, Manchin, and Pravin agreed that at Rs 96,200 for a 125cc bike, it is very affordable. They also appreciated the two-piece clip-on handle and the speedometer panel layout. However, despite loyalty to the bike's Nepali connection, it was heavy for its class, and had a lot of engine vibration. They recommended this as a good first bike for teenagers to learn to ride on, and also said it might be good for "small, rural towns".
Design and build: 3
Chassis and suspension: 2.5
Standard equipment: 2
Ride and handling: 3
Braking: 3
Value for money: 4
Overall test ride rating: 3.5
CY125-11 (Cosmic)
Type: 4-stroke, Single cylinder, Air cooled
Displacement: 125cc
Max power: 8.8kw/ 8000rpm
Ignition: Kick/ electric start
Transmission: 5 speed gears
Fuel tank (total): 12lt
Price: Rs 84,000
This Nepali-assembled bike has the advantage of good customer service, as the company provides 12 free services and a two-year warranty, and with dealerships all over Nepal "spare parts are easily available everywhere," says Saman Kumar Basyal, senior assistant at Avco International. However, our test riders Ameet, Manchin, and Rekesh found that the bike could use a better seat, especially as it shakes a lot at high speeds. They said it's probably best for older riders, who are looking for an affordable mode of transport.
Design and build: 3
Chassis and suspension: 2
Standard equipment: 2
Ride and handling: 3.5
Braking: 2.5
Value for money: 3
Overall test ride rating: 3.5
Apache (TVS)
Type: 4-stroke, Air cooled, OHC
Displacement: 147.5cc
Max power: 9.95kw / 13.5bhp
Kerb weight: 136kg
Ignition & carburettor: IDI Dual mode digital ignition
Transmission: 5 speed gears
Brakes: Front 240mm disc (ES), 130mm drum (KS)/ Rear 130mm drum
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 16lt/ 2.5lt
Price: Rs 141, 928
"More power, great looks," is how our test rider Rekesh described the TVS Apache, and Ameet and Pravin agreed. They had virtually no complaints, although Pravin noted that the exhaust sounded a bit soft. They said it's an ideal bike for young speedsters, which can handle stunts and wheelies, and is capable of making long journeys too. As Pravin said, "If I were a teenager getting a bike, this is what I'd like to own!"
Design and build: 5
Chassis and suspension: 4
Standard equipment: 4
Ride and handling: 4.5
Braking: 5
Value for money: 4
Overall test ride rating: 4.5
Vector GLX 125 (TVS)
Type: 4-stroke, Air cooled, OHC
Displacement: 124.8cc
Max power: 7.36kw (10bhp) @7500rpm
Kerb weight: 122kg
Ignition: Digital ignition
Transmission: 4 speed gears, Constant Mesh
Brakes: Front 130mm drum/ Rear 130mm
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 13lt/ 2.5lt
Price: Rs 115,938 (drum)/ Rs 120,190 (disc)
Our riders say that TVS's Vector GLX is bound to be popular on the Nepali market, especially with everyday city commuters. Ameet and Manchin said that the Vector GLX had good pickup, but Alka found the seat somewhat uncomfortable. TVS's sales executive Sushil Adhikari says the redefined GLX is doing well, and that "It's attractive mileage and self-start has made it popular."
Design and build: 3
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 4
Braking: 3
Value for money: 3
Overall test ride rating: 3.5
Bullet Electra 5S (Royal Enfield)
Type: 4-stroke, Single cylinder, Air cooled
Displacement: 346cc
Max power: 18bhp @3000rpm
Kerb weight: 170kg
Ignition: Kick/ electric start (optional)
Transmission: 5 speed gears - Left side
Brakes: Front drum 7" twin lead / Disc 280mm (optional), Rear drum 6"
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 14.45lt/1.25lt
Price: Rs 245,000 (self)/ Rs 223,000 (kick)
Enfield enthusiasts will be happy with Royal Enfield's Bullet Electra 5S, which features classic Enfield styling, self-start, disc brakes, a five-speed gearbox, and technology that both reduces emissions and increases mileage. The Bullet Electra's biggest drawback is its price; Rs 245,000 is steep, but "It's got full power, good thrust, and great pickup," said Alka. Pravin agreed, but still likes the standard version. Though Enfields traditionally had gear systems on the right, newer models like the Bullet Electra 5S have them on the left. If you're looking for power, a roaring engine, and the ability to turn heads, the Bullet Electra may be the way to go.
Design and build: 4
Chassis and suspension: 3.5
Standard equipment: 3.5
Ride and handling: 4
Braking: 4
Value for money: 3
Overall test ride rating: 4
Mantra (Anna-Lifan)
Type: Single cylinder, air cooled
Displacement: 124.1cc
Kerb Weight: 105kg
Max power: 7.3kw/ 9000rpm
Ignition & carburettor: CDI
Transmission: 5 speed gears
Fuel tank (total): 13lt
Price: Rs 89,270
The Anna-Lifan Mantra is an affordable, medium-range bike for city use. While Ameet, Alka, and Rekesh found that it wasn't suitable for rough roads, and tended towards heavy vibrations which made it uncomfortable for pillion passengers, it's pickup and price made it a good option for smoother city conditions. The Nepali-assembled Mantra has been popular in the tarai, "because of its mileage of 60 to 70 km/l," says Annapurna-Lifan's head mechanic Chandra Manandhar.
Design and build: 3
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 4
Braking: 3
Value for money: 3.5
Overall test ride rating: 3.5
Stryker (Kinetic)
Displacement: 97.2cc
Max power: 7.2bhp @7500 rpm
Kerb weight: 116kg
Transmission: 4 speed gears
Brakes: Front drum/ Rear drum
Fuel tank (total): 14lt
Price: Rs 97,180
The Stryker will probably fare well in the rural market, according to test riders Alka, Manchin, Rikesh. All three confirmed that its price is very affordable, and it has great mileage—an asset, especially as fuel prices are rocketing. The bike did well on both smooth and rougher roads, but the seats were not the most comfortable.
Design and build quality: 2
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 2.5
Braking: 3
Value for money: 3.5
Overall test ride rating: 3
Mio (Yamaha)
Type: 4-stroke, 2-valve, Single cylinder, Air cooled
Displacement: 113. cc
Kerb weight: 87kg/ 90kg
Ignition & carburettor: DC-CDI & Keihin NCV
Brakes: Front drum/ Rear drum
Fuel tank (total): 3.7lt
Price: Rs 129,900
The Yamaha Mio is ideal for new riders, as it features easy manoeuvrability, smooth riding, and comfort. "It's shape is ideal, so it can be driven easily even in busy traffic on Nepali roads," said Sugarika. The Thai-made Mio is available in five different colours. This slender little number works particularly well for petite, lighter riders who have trouble with heavier bikes and scooters. Taller riders may find that it lacks comfortable leg space though. Our test riders Alka, Rekesh, and Sugarika recommended this as a particularly good option for teenage girls just learning to ride.
Design and build: 3
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 4.5
Braking: 4
Value for money: 3
Overall test ride rating: 4
Dio (Hero Honda)
Type: 4-stroke, Single cylinder, Air cooled, OHC
Displacement: 102cc
Max power: 7bhp @7000rpm
Ignition & carburettor: Kick/ self start
Brakes: Front bottom link with spring loaded hydraulic damper/ Rear unit swing with spring loaded hydraulic damper
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 6lt
Price: Rs 115900
The Hero Honda Dio scored points with our test riders Manchin, Monalisa, and Sugarika for its comfort and standard scooter style. "It was a pleasure to ride," said Sugarika. The riders also rated it highly for value for money. Hero Honda's Head Technician Sita Ram Neupane explains that it's not only economical, but an ecologically sound choice too: "Our bikes emit far less than the government limit of 1.5 ppm; also, we avoid the use of asbestos as it can cause diseases like cancer."
Design and build quality: 4
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 4
Braking: 3
Value for money: 4
Overall test ride rating: 4
Blaze (Kinetic)
Type: 4-stroke, Air cooled
Displacement: 165.12cc
Max power: 11.6bhp @7500rpm
Kerb weight: 136kg
Brakes: Front130mm disc/ Rear 130mm drum
Fuel tank (total/reserve): 6.5lt
Price: Rs 148,000
Everyone at the WAVE Rides! event was eager to give the new Kinetic Blaze a try. Pravin, Prerana, and Sugarika were very impressed with its comfortable, sporty Italian design, and joked that with the right paint job it could pass as a traffic police cruiser. Though fun to ride, it lacked the speed expected from a 165cc engine, and it's bulk may prove difficult to manoeuvre in busy city traffic. It was fine on smooth roads, but didn't handle potholes and bumps well. With its looks and size, it's ideal for both men and women.
Design and build: 4.5
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 4
Ride and handling: 3.5
Braking: 4
Value for money: 4
Overall test ride rating: 4
Scooty Pep (TVS)
Type: 4-stroke, Cylinder forced air cooled
Displacement: 87.8cc
Max power: 3.68kw (5bhp) @6500rpm
Kerb weight: 95kg
Ignition & carburettor: Digital DC CDI
Brakes: Front 110mm drum/ Rear 110mm drum
Fuel tank (total): 5lt
Price: Rs 94,581
Manchin, Prerana, and Sugarika found that the TVS Scooty Pep had plenty of zip despite being only 90cc, getting up to reasonable speeds with good ground clearance. "It's easy to drive, and very light," said Sugarika. TVS has found that the Scooty Pep is popular with younger Nepali girls, and our riders agreed that it's best for that demographic and more cautious riders.
Design and build: 3
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 4
Braking: 3
Value for money: 3.5
Overall test ride rating: 3.5
Nova 135 (Kinetic)
Type: 4-stroke, Forced air cooled
Displacement: 135cc
Max power: 8.5bhp @6500rpm
Ignition: Electronic CDI ignition with dual mode, kick/ self start
Fuel tank (total): 6.5lt
Price: Rs 109,440
The Kinetic Nova's higher-than-average power for a scooter (135cc) provides a comfortable, smooth ride. It also has a lot of storage space, which makes it ideal for students and working people. Our test riders Prerana, Rekesh, and Sugarika found it had a smooth flow and would be the perfect scooter for riders who like going slow but steady. Everyone also agreed that "the pricing was just perfect".
Design and build: 4
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 3
Braking: 3
Value for money: 3.5
Overall test riding rating: 4
Super R (Anna-Lifan)
Type: Single cylinder, Air cooled
Displacement: 97cc
Max power: 4.1kw/ 7500rpm
Kerb weight: 92kg
Ignition & carburettor: CDI
Transmission: 4 speed gears
Fuel tank (total): 4.5lt
Price: Rs 66,670
The Anna-Lifan Super R scored points with our test riders for its price and good mileage. The company agrees that these are its best selling points, at 65km/l and an option to pay the Rs 66,725 total cost with a down payment of a mere Rs 9,900. "With every purchase, we also provide a mobile phone worth Rs 10,000," adds Anna-Lifan's marketing executive Govind Nakarmi. However, despite the price and great deals, our test riders Alka, Rekesh, and Sugarika noted that it lacked smoothness and comfort, and is probably best for riders who already experienced at handling two-wheelers.
Design and build: 3
Chassis and suspension: 3
Standard equipment: 3
Ride and handling: 3
Braking: 3
Value for money: 3.5
Overall test ride rating: 3
