Top 5 Most Exciting Bikes We’ve Ridden So Far In 2024

The first half of 2024 has just passed, and we’ve had the opportunity to ride some amazing bikes in this time. Here’re the top five:

Hero Xtreme 125R

The Hero Xtreme 125R is a prime example of packing a big punch in a small package. This humble 125cc sporty commuter looks like the Ducati Streetfighter V4 if you look at it from right angles, and it's quite fun to ride too. Like they say, it’s more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. While its power on paper might not feel as exciting, the peppy engine, nimble handling and good suspension makes the riding experience quite an enjoyable one. Couple that with its competitive price tag (Rs 95,000 - Rs 99,500 (ex-showroom)) and list of features, and it does come off as a nice bike that makes daily commutes all that much entertaining.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

It’s only apt to call the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z one of the anticipated motorcycles of 2024. With the Pulsar NS400Z, Bajaj has yet again managed to make 40PS accessible. The NS400 is  fast and handles reasonably well, and you will have a lot of fun on it. And at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it’s the most powerful bike under Rs 2 lakh. Sure, it may have its own flaws but they can be overlooked considering its extremely competitive price tag. So if you are out there looking for the most bang for your buck (literally), you won’t have to look any further.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

The new Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is the epitome of ‘better late than never’. It might have taken Husqvarna some time to trust the Indian market to be ready for their 390 Duke sibling, but they have done it right. Same engine spec as the 390, a cleaner looking TFT layout, and a more elegant appeal. If the Duke is a street hooligan, the Svartpilen is that but with a layer of sophistication over it. At Rs 2.92 lakh (ex-showroom), it's about Rs 20,000 more affordable than the 390 Duke while ticking all the right boxes. 

Aprilia RS457

The Aprilia RS 457 is easily one of the most awaited motorcycles in recent times, and rightly so. It’s got a 457cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank that sounds just heavenly. Talking of, oh those sleek Italian lines. Bellissimo! And if all of that doesn’t yet have you reaching for the box of tissues, there’s its price tag of Rs 4.10 lakh (ex-showroom). To put that into perspective, its two biggest rivals, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 and the Yamaha R3, cost Rs 5.24 lakh and Rs 4.64 lakh (both ex-showroom), respectively. The grunt of the engine combined with its light handling will ensure that you’re smiling wide on the track as well on your everyday commutes. 

Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

The best way to describe the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally is “one motorcycle to rule them all''. This is a motorcycle you can strap your panniers on and take it to a racetrack. Because hey, all Ducatis are all about them racing genes. And once you’re done racing, you can come back and commute on this behemoth of a bike and suddenly the track-ready beast turns into a reasonably tame and well-mannered german shepherd. 

All bits on this motorcycle are in so much sync that 120kmph down the highway feels like just 60kmph if you are not looking at the speedo. We are pretty certain that after every ride, you would have a wide grin plastered to your face for quite a while. And the features that it gets, considering it costs Rs 29.72 Lakh (ex-showroom) – you need a whole another listicle to put them out. It would be prudent to read our entire road review to get a “feel” of what the Multistrada V4 Rally is all about.