5 Most Affordable Bikes With ABS On Sale

ABS stands for Anti-Lock Braking system.It is integrated with the braking mechanism and prevents wheels from locking and tyres from skidding.ABS is a technology that is slowly seeping into mainstream motorcycles and given its benefit we feel more bikes should have this and gladly the Government has taken a decision to make this tech mandatory on all two-wheelers above 125cc from 2018 onward. In simpler words, ABS modulates the braking force to avoid the tyres from locking during panic braking and thereby reducing the possibility of a crash. Following are the bikes you can consider if you are in the market to buy an affordable ABS equipped motorcycle.

1) Suzuki Gixxer SF ABS - (Rs 95,499, ex-showroom, Delhi)

Suzuki recently launched the new Gixxer SF with ABS. The added safety net is available with both, the carburetted and the fuel injected (FI) versions. The ABS employed is a single-channel unit and works only on the front wheel, similar to the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200. The Suzuki Gixxer SF is the second most affordable motorcycle with ABS in India, after the TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS. It is also the first bike in the 150cc-160cc segment to feature this safety tech.

The bike is powered by a 154cc, air-cooled motor with peak power output of 14.8PS @ 8000rpm, while 14Nm of peak torque is generated at 6000rpm. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and a mono-shock unit at the rear.

The carburetted version of the Suzuki Gixxer SF ABS has been priced at Rs 95,499, while the FI variant carries a sticker price of Rs 99,312 (both prices are ex-showroom, Delhi), which is an increse of around Rs 6000 over the non-ABS versions. We say, its worth the price, considering that you get the much needed safety net that is very crucial under panic braking.

2) TVS Apache RTR 180 - (Rs 90,460,  ex-showroom, Delhi)

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It was the first most affordable motorcycle which was launched with ABS in the country. It is the most affordable motorcycle with ABS. The bike gets dual channel ABS (ABS for both the wheels) as an option. The front wheel is equipped with a 270mm petal-type disc rotor and the rear is equipped with a 200mm petal-type disc rotor. The bike also comes with TVS’s RLP (Rear Wheel Lift-off protection).  

The Apache RTR 180 gets a Double Cradle SynchroStiff chassis. It is powered with a 177.4cc engine which develops 17.3 PS @ 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 15.5 Nm @ 6500rpm. The Apache RTR 180 is shod with a 90/90 R17 tyre at the front and a 110/80 R17 tyre at the rear. Though it comes with all the bells and whistles offered on modern day motorcycles, the RTR 180 now feels dated. It needs more than a cosmetic update now. The bike is available in White, Black and Matt Gray colour options.

3) Bajaj Pulsar RS200 - (Rs 1.34 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi)

The first full-faired motorcycle from Bajaj also became the first ABS equipped motorcycle from the company. The Pulsar RS200 gets a single channel ABS system (only for the front wheel) which is offered as standard. Front disc size is 300mm and rear disc size is 230mm. It is powered by a 199.5cc engine which develops 24.5 PS @ 9750 rpm and peak torque of 18.6 Nm @ 8000 rpm. 

The company has recently updated the motorcycle with new colours and graphics, christening the motorcycle laser edged edition, which surely adds more flavour to the motorcycle. It is offered in two colours – Graphite Black and Racing Blue. 

4) Bajaj Dominar 400 - (Rs 1.55 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Dominar 400, Bajaj’s flagship motorcycle, is loaded with features that most of the bikes in its competition miss out on. It is the first motorcycle in its segment to get all LED headlamps. Front disc size is 320mm and rear disc size is 230 mm. The Dominar 400 is powered by a 373.3cc engine which develops 35PS @ 8000rpm and a peak torque of 35Nm @ 6000rpm. 

It gets dual channel ABS offered as an optional extra and the prices are different for that model. The bike is available in Midnight Blue, Twilight Plum and Moon White colour options.

5) KTM 390 Duke – (Rs 2.29 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi)

It is the most modern bike of the lot. KTM recently launched the motorcycle with an all new TFT screen. The motorcycle gets a 373.3cc engine that develops 45PS @ 8000rpm and a peak torque of 36Nm @ 6000rpm. It was also the first performance entry level naked motorcycle which was equipped with dual channel ABS as standard. A specially interesting feature of this motorcycle is that the ABS system can also be completely switched off. 

The 390 Duke is constructed around a steel trellis chassis. It now gets a bigger front disc of 320mm, compared to the model it replaces, and 230mm rear disc. It is offered in Orange colour. 

Note - The Honda CBR250R ABS has been omitted as the bike has been discontinued as it doesn't comply with the new BS-IV emission norm. Read more about Honda CBR 250 BS-IV upcoming bike here.