De-Board To Off-Road

Summer season has commenced and started to heat the dynamic sphere we live in for 90 days straight. The only thing that ceases heat in this scorching season is rain. The subtle drops of cool rain leave the streets dampened in water with a chilly atmosphere which many of us would rather call ‘the perfect weather’.

This ‘Perfect Weather’ leaves its clayey trails behind and all we are left with is just wet mud and clay, making it difficult for two-wheelers to have a fierce grip on the ground. Bikes especially, tend to slip very often and become very dirty due to all the watery mud that lays on the streets.

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Here, the need for dirt bikes kicks in. Dirt bikes are the epitome of rough and tough riding. Performance with the high build quality is something that one can expect from these bikes. They are all-weather-friendly bikes that can climb any terrain and win any war viz. Alexander the great. As the rainy season has commenced in India, we have got a list of some dirt bikes that will make you enjoy the dirt!

1. Hyosung RT125D

Owned by KR Motors, Hyosung is a South-Korea based motorcycle manufacturer who is known for its durability and reliability since 1979. Hyosung was the fastest-growing motorcycle manufacturer in Australia and some parts of Asia.

Hyosung featured in the 2014 Auto Expo and since then this Dirt Bike is much anticipated to blow off the market. The exterior of this 125D is made to look like a fusion of sports and dirt bikes, the Shinko tires are humongous compared to the chassis and the rear fenders are not that big as found in regular dirt bikes.

Rigidity and durability are the two elements that this bike offers. Being a small dirt bike, you cannot expect rocket speed but it will sometimes struggle to carry the heavyweight associated with it.

It features a Four-stroke single-cylinder 124.5cc engine that is capable of producing 13.5 BHP @ 10,000 RPM.

This may not sound as good on paper but in real life, you will find this bike to be controllably powerful. The design and looks of this dirt bike set it apart from the rest, the round front lights are not commonly found in dirt bikes. It can be a good option for beginners and people who want to get a gist of off-roading.

Expected Price: ₹1,25,000

2. Benelli BX 250

The second oldest Italian motorcycle manufacturer after Peugeot that is still in business, Benelli, got its name from the famous four-stroke cascade engine that it produced during World War 1. Since then, it has manufactured some whirl-winding two-wheelers.

Benelli BX 250 is a rugged dirt bike that is for beginners and people who would like to get a gist of dirt biking and off-roading. The design of this dirt bike is something that will not impress you at the first glance but you will get used to it eventually, instead of designing high and fancy, Benelli has gone with a much more practical approach.

Benelli BX 250 is powered by a 249cc fuel-injected engine which gives a maximum of 25 BHP @ 9000 RPM. With dual disk brakes, it features 277mm of ground clearance.

Due to its small lengthened tires, the suspension works like a charm, it has got a vibrant suspension system that supports it even further. Small potholes and bumps feel smooth and the handling improves as a result. The main focus is given to dirt riding and cruising on highways can be a tat bit difficult with the small tires. But if you are an adrenaline junkie and love the rush that dirt biking provides, then you should consider this one!

Expected Price: ₹1,60,000

3. Honda CRF300L

How can we not talk about Honda if we are talking about bikes here? Well, Honda is the world’s top-ranking bike manufacturer as of 2021. Everyone has owned Honda at least once throughout their lifetime. The automobile industry is incomplete without it. Honda is known for its extreme durability and reliable engines.

Honda CRF300L is a dirt bike that Honda is about to launch. This dirt bike has everything to offer with a nice-looking price tag. Power is something that is engraved with the Honda title. Reliability and assurance are the two complementing factors that comes with it.

This Motorrad features a 289cc four-stroke liquid cooled engine which can produce 27BHP @ 8000RPM. The high-powered engine will surely add swiftness and speed to your ride. Design is also something that steals the cake here. The sharp looks that it offers make it stand out from the crowd. The suspension of this dirt bike is also very capable, as it dropped 5Kgs from its predecessor CRF 250L .

Dual-sports motorcycles are something that India does not see very often. CRF300L would ignite a fire in the audience for wanting more of it. The only issue is the uncertainty of availability in the Indian Market, you can always export it from other countries but that surely hikes up the price by a good margin!

Expected Price: ₹3,00,000

4. Kawasaki KLX 140

Kawasaki is the name that revolutionized the Motorrad industry extensively. From Kawasaki Samurai to Kawasaki Ninja H2, the brand has travelled a long journey. Being from Japan, it is bound to be powerful and reliable.

Kawasaki KLX 140 is exactly what a dirt bike should look like. Reminiscent of a motocross design, this dirt bike features pointy mudguards on the rear and the front, the headlights are located slightly upwards with raised suspensions. The rear looks sharp and is full of tiny details which glorifies its looks.

This raised suspension is a bonus to the design as it makes the bumpy ride more adventurous and dirt-friendly. Kawasaki has provided a four-stroke 144cc engine in it and the experience enhances with the knobby tires that come pre-fitted.

One of the most notice-worthy features is the weight of this bike, it weighs just around 98Kgs, making it one of the lightest dirt bikes in the market. This contributes to the amazing handling and suspension that this bike possesses. The only area that it lacks is the performance, as rigid as it is, it is not that speedy. It has power, but not that much. Otherwise, in looks and, in rigidity, it is as good as any dirt bike!

Expected Price: ₹4,15,000

5. Suzuki RM Z450

Japan is yet back at it again with their golden egg, Suzuki. Suzuki is among one of the biggest automobile manufacturers in the world. It holds this place for a good amount of reasons. Providing reliable and trustworthy automobiles since 1909, Suzuki was the first company to collaborate with Indian car manufacturer Maruti Udyog in 1981.

RM Z450 is yet another powerful piece of machinery from Suzuki. With a high-powered engine and looks to die for, this dirt bike is everything you need to be called an ’Off-Roader’. Featuring a powerful 450cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine, this can easily dig a hole in the dirt with what it’s got. Suzuki has managed to keep the weight as low as 112KG which is quite impressive.

Suzuki has also integrated the S-HAC technology, which is an assisting technology that helps in braking and smooth control of the bike. Three riding modes have also been provided in it. With Showa’s front and rear suspension, it goes high with flying colours. According to Suzuki, this is the first bike to feature new balance-free rear cushion (BFRC) technology. The only issue that holds it back is the heating problem, with a high-capacity engine like this, the bike tends to become hot sometimes.

Expected Price: ₹7,99,000

6. KTM 450 SX-F 2022

One of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in the world, KTM, is and Austrian automobile manufacturer that is widely known for its high speed and potent suspension. In India, KTM is managed and owned by Bajaj, another Indian Two and Three-Wheeler manufacturer which is popular for its bikes and auto-rickshaw.

KTM 450 SX is the factory edition to the ongoing SX series. Being from KTM itself, reliability is also not on edge here. This off-road king features a four-stroke 450cc electrically injected engine which produces a total of 55BHP @ 9,500 RPM.

KTM emphasized on the light weight that this dirt-monster possesses. Due to them, the 450cc engine is the lightest weighing engine on the market. KTM really did a good job in the tire balancing of this bike. The overall build quality is quite rigid and the classic KTM markings can be found all over it.

Power is in the true roots of 450 SX-F and with power comes speed and thrill. Overall, this is a great buy if you want something fast and bungee that is bare-boned raw. Overall, this bike feels like it is sent from heaven not for roads, but for off-roads. As it is raw, not many features are found on it.

Expected Price: ₹8,20,000

From the August 2021 issue of FHM India.