Click it and Unblock the Notifications
India's Iconic Discontinued Motorcycles: The Untold Story Behind
India is one of the fastest-growing markets for two-wheelers. Initially, motorcycles were primarily used for commuting. Over time, the motorcycling culture evolved, and now various brands offer a wide range of models. These include affordable bikes, performance motorcycles, cruisers, and adventure tourers.
Electric motorcycles have also become common in India. However, in the past, only a few models were available, and some were discontinued later. This article explores the rumours and real reasons behind the discontinuation or banning of certain bikes.
Yamaha RD350: Performance vs. Price
The Yamaha RD350 is a legendary motorcycle that needs no introduction to enthusiasts. Launched in 1983, it was the most powerful performance bike available in India at that time. Competing with models like Bullet 350 and Yezdi 250, it quickly gained popularity despite being a detuned version of its international counterpart.
The RD350 had two versions: High Torque (HT) producing 31 Bhp and Low Torque (LT) producing 27 Bhp. It could reach speeds of up to 160 kmph and accelerate from 0-100 kmph in about 7-8 seconds. Due to its high performance and lack of disc brakes in the Indian version, many riders faced accidents. This led to rumours that it was banned due to safety concerns.
In reality, the RD350 was not fuel-efficient and had a high price tag, making it less appealing in India's price-sensitive market. The combination of poor fuel efficiency and high cost led to its discontinuation.
TVS Suzuki Shogun: Light but Unpopular
The TVS-Suzuki partnership produced several interesting motorcycles aimed at competing with Yamaha RX100. One notable model was the Shogun, which means "The Boss." It featured a 108.2cc two-stroke engine generating 14 Bhp and weighed only 105 kg.
The Shogun could easily reach speeds of up to 120 kmph but was difficult to control due to its light weight. Many believed it was discontinued because it was hard to handle. However, the actual reason for its discontinuation was poor sales as it couldn't compete with the popularity of the RX100.
Bajaj Pulsar First Generation: A Planned Update
The first-generation Bajaj Pulsar significantly impacted India's biking culture. Launched when Hero-Honda dominated with mass-segment bikes like CBZ, Bajaj introduced Pulsar 150 and 180 models featuring large fuel tanks and muscular designs.
These bikes were available for about 18 months before Bajaj released an updated DTS-i version with a smaller fuel tank capacity. Some thought this change was due to handling issues caused by bulkiness; however, it was simply part of a planned update.
Hero Honda Karizma: Cult Following
The Hero Honda Karizma was one of the most powerful motorcycles from Hero Honda and still enjoys a cult following today. It featured a high-capacity engine, semi-fairing design, digital fuel meter, odometer, and trip meter.
Many believed it was challenging to control due to its power. After Hero and Honda separated, Karizma was relaunched but didn't achieve the same popularity as its first-generation model.
In summary, various factors led to these bikes' discontinuation or banning in India—ranging from poor sales and high prices to planned updates rather than performance or handling issues alone.
Continue with Google