Useful in both wet and dry, dual-channel ABS ensures that neither of the wheels on the motorcycle lock up under heavy braking, ensuring controlled stops in all situations. Single-channel ABS only operates on the front wheel, so you can still lock the rear wheel if you brake hard, which compromises the stability of the motorcycle. In a market like ours, where rear-brake usage is instinctive, especially among commuters, dual-channel ABS is not just an added safety feature, but a necessity. If safety is high on your priority list, here are six most affordable bikes currently on sale that get dual-channel ABS.
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
Rs 1.45 lakh
The Apache RTR 200 4V has always been a feature-rich motorcycle, and aside from dual-channel ABS, it also gets three riding modes, option of a TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity, a crash alert function and traction control. Dual-channel ABS is offered from the mid-variant that is priced at Rs 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Recently, TVS updated the front-end of the RTR 160 4V and 200 4V– adding a mono-projector headlight, to commemorate 20 years of the Apache brand.
Bajaj Pulsar N250
Rs 1.33 lakh
The N250 provides a torque-rich experience from its oil-cooled engine compared to the liquid-cooled engine offered in the NS range. That makes it a better companion when you’re not riding hard. Dual-channel ABS is standard and at Rs 1.33 lakh, the N250 undercuts a few smaller displacement bikes on this list.
Bajaj Pulsar NS200
Rs 1.32 lakh
The NS200 offers all the sportiness of the smaller NS160, but with a more powerful, liquid-cooled 200cc engine. This is the most powerful bike on this list (same as the N250, at 24.5hp) and is also the only one to feature liquid cooling. Dual-channel ABS is standard, and the bike is priced at Rs 1.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Rs 1.26 lakh
Moving to the 160cc class, the Apache RTR 160 4V features dual-channel ABS, though this safety net is limited to the top three variants, which also gain a USD fork and TFT dash as you move up the range. The dual-channel ABS variant is priced at Rs 1.26 lakh. The RTR 160 4V also gets the same mono-projector headlight as the RTR 200 4V and, in addition to dual-channel ABS, comes equipped with traction control.
TVS Apache RTR 160 2V
Rs 1.23 lakh
A recent entrant on this list is the smallest Apache – the RTR 160 2V. It has been recently updated to comply with the more stringent OBD2B norms. Along with this, TVS has also updated the Apache RTR 160 with the added safety of dual-channel ABS. However, it is worth noting that dual-channel ABS is only available on the top-spec variant that is priced at Rs 1.23 lakh.
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
Rs 1.20 lakh
The next bike on the list is another Pulsar from Bajaj – the NS160. This Pulsar offers a sportier experience, with a perimeter frame, an upside-down fork, raised clip-on handlebars, and more aggressive styling. The NS line-up does show its age though, and the new-gen Pulsars (like the N160) offer a more polished experience. The NS160 is priced at Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), and it gets dual-channel ABS as standard.
Bajaj Pulsar N160
Rs 1.17 lakh
The most affordable bike on this list comes from Bajaj, and the list will continue to be dominated by ‘the world’s fastest Indian’. This is a testament to the company’s efforts to make the technology affordable and offer it to the masses. The Pulsar N160 is the most affordable bike to get dual-channel ABS, coming in at Rs 1.17 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Also see:
