When just power isn't good enough





 



Riding fast can be a whole lot of fun. However, it is also dangerous and could lead to painful consequences, especially considering the road and traffic conditions in most of our major cities. So, if you are in the market for an entry-level 160cc motorcycle, here’s something you need to know about each bike’s braking setup and the performance they offer.



Suzuki Gixxer SF






The Suzuki Gixxer SF is a jack of all trades. It combines form with function like no other motorcycle in the segment. The sporty looks are complemented by the butter smooth engine. That said, it’s quite easy to push the limits of the Gixxer SF and that’s where the need for strong brakes come in. Thankfully, the Suzuki gets disc brakes at the front and rear, and paired with the 17-inch (100/80 front and 140/60 rear tyres) alloy wheels, they do a good job of bringing the bike to a halt quickly. During our tests, the Gixxer SF managed the 60-0kmph braking test in just 17.20 metres. That said, the brake lever does feel spongy and requires a lot of travel before the brake pads bite into the discs.



 



Honda CB Hornet 160R 






The Honda CB Hornet 160R is ideal for those wanting a commuter motorcycle with a bit of flair. It manages to look the part that to its aggressive styling and chiselled line while offering decent levels of performance. The Hornet is equipped with disc brakes on either ends along with Honda’s Combined Brake System (CBS), which help the bike grind to a halt from 60kmph in just 20.11 metres. The good news is that it offers plenty of bite too. The 110/80 front and 140/70 rear tyres mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels provide adequate grip too.



 



Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 






The Pulsar NS 160 looks virtually the same as its elder sibling, the Pulsar 200 NS. However, it has a different brake setup when compared to the version with the larger engine capacity and settles for a 240mm disc up front and a 130mm drum unit at the rear. While the brakes provide good bite and help in shedding speed in a linear manner, it could have done with a rear disc brake and better feel through the levers. Shod with 80/100 front and 110/80 rear tyres, this motorcycle requires 20.18 metres to come to a complete halt from 60kmph.



 



TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Carb






TVS launched the Apache RTR 160 4V with the intention of establishing a benchmark in the segment. While it manages to do so in some regards with its slew of features and impressive engine, the same cannot be said about its braking prowess. The bite offered by the 270mm front and 200mm rear disc are quite lacklustre. It comes equipped with 90/90 front and 130/70 rear tyres and comes to a complete halt from 60kmph in 22.20 metres.



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