Here we have listed some of the evocative motorcycles you probably would have owned or fancy owning in the past and gave you special feeling close to heart
Motorcycles are stuff of dreams regardless of their price tags and would have influenced everyone one way or the other. It could be because of the fact that you are a two-wheeler enthusiasts or that the bikes had been with you for long and took you to places when mattered the most. Here we have listed some of the icons from the past:
1. Bajaj Kawasaki Caliber:
Bajaj Kawasaki Caliber was basically a Kawasaki motorcycle sold by Bajaj in the domestic market between 1998 and 2006. It was created by making some improvements in the Bajaj 4S. One of the significant changes was the inclusion of an oil filter.
With Bajaj knowing how to grab audience from advertisements, along came the ‘Hoodibaba’ and the resultant sales number. T he Caliber used a 111.6-cc air-cooled four-stroke engine producing a highly appreciable 9.5 bhp at 8,000 rpm. The motorcycle was capable of a top speed of 102 kmph.
2. Kawasaki Eliminator:
There were fanboys for Splendor and Caliber and several enthusiasts did opt for the Eliminator. It is not an ideal motorcycle for people standing six foot tall and riding it in stop and go traffic could cause cramps. But it’s good for average person because of the low seat height.
The pillion seat was comfortable for long rides and the handlebar was quite comfortable. It had a really good build quality except from the chrome bits and it had an enticing exterior that people did admire in the years went by.
3. Yamaha Enticer:
Yamaha Enticer was an entry-level cruiser with plenty of chrome plating and had a feet forward riding position. It was also advance with disc brake and electric start option. It was a stellar motorcycle of its time and had unique styling with raised handlebar, long wheelbase, easy rider seating geometry, foot boards, fat rear tyre, single pod instrument panel, etc.
It utilised the same square bore x stroke, 123.7cc engine, that powers the Yamaha YBX. It develops 11 bhp of power at 8,000 rpm. With long wheelbase of 1,375 mm, it had a claimed ground clearance of 140 mm.
4. LML Adreno:
The LML Adreno was aesthetically superior than some of its best-selling competitors. However, due to the less-than-desirable marketing strategy from the brand, the sales volume just crumbled. The bike had a long wheelbase as well as heavy body and gave very good stability.
Since the Adreno was heavy, taking U-turns was a bit of a problem but the bike did rev up to 9,000 rpm and can easily tick 100 kmph top speed. It also had a good engine sound at high speeds and was able to return 65-70 kmpl mileage. It remains as one of the good looking bikes that never had a mainstream success.
5. Suzuki Max 100R:
The Suzuki Max 100R was born out of the 2 stroke era and the 100 cc commuter was praised for its sturdiness and toughness on different riding conditions use even in fields. Being a two stroke motorcycle, it gives good instant power and pulling capacity.
It can climb hills and steep roads too with ease. The Suzuki Max 100R had a good run in the two-wheeler space and will be remembered for its youthful stance as well as being able to get the power down when needed. It was also agile in most respects and still being treated as a vintage love affair in many owners’ garages.
6. Yamaha RX100:
Yamaha RX100, arguably the bike that doesn’t need any introduction, was manufactured by the Japanese brand from 1985 to 1996 and distributed across India. Right after the terrible sales of the Rajdoot 350, Yamaha needed a strong comeback and the RX100 provided just that.
In November 1985, Yamaha introduced the RX100 with much anticipation and the 100 cc engine had a distinctive sound nothing else would replicate while pumping out raw power engine. The RX 100 was quickly adopted by racers as well in dirt as well as drag racing. With different iterations through the years, it is still owned by youngsters knowing its history and the rich racing pedigree.
7. Yamaha Rajdoot 350:
The Rajdoot, also called RD 350, was a two-stroke Yamaha made by Escorts group between 1983 and 1989. Termed as ‘Road going two stroke’, it was modified to suit Indian conditions and despite the production of the air-cooled Yamaha RD350 ending in Japan in the mid-1970s, it was a technically advanced bike in the Indian market in 1983.
It was powered by a seven-port two stroke parallel twin engine and had patented Torque Induction System using reed valves and six-speed manual transmission. It was claimed to do 0-60 kmph in less than four seconds. Rivalling the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 and Yezdi Roadking 250, the Rajdoot 350 lost out due to high fuel consumption. However, it has a cult following that remains till date for its looks and macho appearance.
8. Hero Honda CD100 SS:
The Hero Honda CD100 SS carried the same 97.2 cc engine as Splendor of its time and it was refined to a higher extent producing 7.5 bhp and 7.3 Nm of torque. The regular commuter motorcycle weighed 116 kilograms as it was made of metal parts.
The CD100 SS claimed to have a maximum speed of 85 kmph and came with a four-stroke fuel-efficient engine. It showcased the refinement volume segment based customers would look for from an affordable motorcycle and lives in memory for its solid versatility.
9. Suzuki Samurai:
Suzuki AX 100, two-stroke, 100 cc motorcycle made in Japan, India and China, gave way to a similar motorcycle called the Samurai. It was well-acclaimed for its simplicity and a four-speed air-cooled two stroke engine with piston porting and a simple carburetor.
The no-frills machine had a full chain guard and simple drum brakes keeping maintenance tasks easy. It had different variants and many copycat products were released based on the Samurai in Asian markets. It stays as a top-draw model and stays evocative for many who owned one.
10. Suzuki Fiero:
Arguably, one of the most underrated motorcycles ever to grace India from Suzuki was the Fiero. It was introduced at the turn of the millennium and featured a powerful 147.5cc, single cylinder, four-stroke engine coupled with a five-speed transmission. It was a forerunner in the 150 cc motorcycle segment before the segment’s popularity came into existence.
The engine delivers a maximum power of 12 Bhp at 7,500 rpm and 10.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The Suzuki Fiero had a claimed top speed of 115 kmph and it was once the fastest Suzuki in the country. It had compact dimensions and weighed just 115 kg unlike its heavy competitors at that time.
The quirky styling of the Fiero was another plus and it attracted young buyers in aplenty. The braking duty was done by 130 mm drum brakes and the suspension comprised of telescopic front fork and double sided swingarm with a five-way adjustable shock absorber at the rear.