How we work it out

Prices

Every ex-showroom price comes from the manufacturer's own price list or price service, for the city it names (usually New Delhi). We read the maker's live price, not the text on its page, which is sometimes out of date. Each bike page says when its prices were last checked. A colour that only changes the price is left out; a named edition with its own equipment is kept.

Road tax

Road tax on a new two-wheeler is set by each state, usually as a share of the ex-showroom price. States rarely publish clear tables, so we check every rate against what manufacturers themselves bill buyers in that state. We print an on-road figure for a state only when the rate is confirmed (a government text gives it and a maker's own bill reproduces it) or when two makers agree on it.

Insurance

A new two-wheeler must carry five years of third-party cover. Its price is set by the government (2022 rules) by engine size: ₹2,901 up to 75cc, ₹3,851 up to 150cc, ₹7,365 up to 350cc, ₹15,117 above 350cc. Own-damage cover is priced by each insurer on the bike's insured value; we estimate one year at 2% of the ex-showroom price, which is what manufacturers' own insurance quotes imply. GST of 18% is added.

What counts as each feature

A variant is credited with a feature only when the maker's own specification says so, and only if it matches the definition below. Where a maker does not say, we show a dash rather than guess.

Combined Braking System (CBS)

The rear brake lever also applies the front brake. Named CBS, IBS, SBT or similar by the maker.

Single-Channel ABS

Anti-lock braking on the front wheel only, stated as single-channel by the maker.

Dual-Channel ABS

Anti-lock braking on both wheels, stated as dual-channel by the maker.

Front Disc Brake

A disc brake on the front wheel. A drum is not credited.

Rear Disc Brake

A disc brake on the rear wheel. A drum is not credited.

Alloy Wheels

Cast alloy wheels on both ends. Spoke and pressed-steel wheels are not credited.

Tubeless Tyres

Tubeless tyres on both wheels, as the maker states.

LED Headlamp

The main beam is LED. LED DRLs or position lamps around a halogen bulb do not count.

LED Tail Lamp

The tail/brake lamp is LED.

LED Indicators

Front and rear turn indicators are LED.

Hazard Lights

A hazard switch that flashes all indicators.

Digital Instrument Cluster

A fully digital (LCD) speedometer. A digital panel beside an analogue needle is not credited.

TFT Colour Display

A colour TFT screen as the instrument cluster. Higher rung than the LCD cluster.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The cluster pairs with a phone by Bluetooth to show calls or messages, as the maker states.

Turn-by-Turn Navigation

Turn-by-turn directions shown on the bike's own display.

USB Charger

A USB charging port fitted as standard. 'Optional' or accessory does not count.

Smart Key (Keyless Start)

Start without inserting the key: the key only needs to be on the rider. A remote that only finds the scooter or opens the seat is not enough.

External Fuel Filler

The tank can be filled without opening the seat.

Idle Start-Stop

The engine switches off at idle and restarts on throttle, as the maker states.

Silent Starter (ISG)

An integrated starter-generator for a silent start (Honda ACG, TVS ISG and similar).

Under-Seat Storage Light

A lamp in the under-seat storage.

Side-Stand Engine Cut-Off

The engine will not run with the side stand down.

Riding Modes

Selectable engine or ABS modes, at least two, as the maker states.

Slipper Clutch

A slipper or assist-and-slipper clutch.

Traction Control

Electronic traction control, switchable or not.

Adjustable Levers

Brake and clutch levers adjustable for span.