LEGENDARY bikes that refuse to die: Bajaj Avenger to Royal Enfield Thunderbird

The Indian two-wheeler market is the biggest in the world and there are numerous choices in the market. However, there are a few legendary and iconic models that have remained on sale for a long time and continue to be in the showrooms. These motorcycles below have survived regulation changes, emission changes and market trends. All the bikes listed below are on sale for more than 15 years now.

Bajaj Pulsar 150 & 180

Launched with the “Definitely Male” tagline in 2001, the Bajaj Pulsar has changed the motorcycling market in India. The affordable performance bikes from the homegrown manufacturer are popular in the markets around the world. Bajaj introduced the Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 180 as the macho machines and they continue to survive with their extended family of RS and NS today. The Pulsar family has expanded over the years but the original 150 and 180 are still on sale with necessary updates.

Royal Enfield Bullet

This is the oldest motorcycle in production in India. Royal Enfield first offered the bike in 1948 and since then, it has remained in the showrooms of the Royal Enfield in India. The Bullet is a living legend and even now, the design has not drastically changed from the original version. The Bullet has a cult following in the Indian market and a royal aura around it.

TVS Apache

The Apache series was launched to take on the likes of Bajaj Pulsar. Honed in the race tracks, the TVS Apache series offered affordable bikes with high performance and balance. The Apache series started with the Apache 160 and 180 and today, the brand also offers its first fully-faired motorcycle under the Apache name. The most expensive bike from TVS, the Apache RR310 has been co-developed with BMW and carries forward the Apache moniker in India and around the world.

Honda Activa

The Honda Activa is one of the most common two-wheelers that you will spot on the roads. It has been on sale since 2001 and over the years, the Activa has become a household name. The Activa is extremely reliable and offers a world-class engine. It is still on sale in its fifth-generation.

Honda Unicorn

The Unicorn became quite popular in the market because of its mono rear shock absorber. The premium commuter has received multiple updates over the years and has survived a lot of regulation changes. The Unicorn offers extremely high reliability and a refined engine. The modern version of the Unicorn continues to offer the mono-shock absorber in the rear, which is its highlight.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird

The Thunderbird is on sale for a long time and it will soon get replaced with an all-new motorcycle in the market. The Thunderbird’s basic laidback design has been carried over for years. The Thunderbird remains the choice of many long-distance touring riders because of its extremely comfortable riding position.

Hero Splendor

The Splendor is the world’s largest selling motorcycle in the world. The Splendor first made its appearance in India in 1994. The Splendor has mostly remained identical to the first model and it remains a lightweight, highly reliable and high mileage means of transportation that is especially popular in the Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Hero Passion

The Passion was launched to aim the premium commuters in India and it has remained on sale since 2001. The bike has received numerous changes over the years and remains a reliable bike that is popular with the commuters. The Passion has become quite modern looking compared to the first model.

Bajaj Discover

Bajaj Discover has also become an established brand name in the Indian market. The Discover has been on sale for a long time and it is currently available with two engine options – 100cc and 125cc. The bike remains extremely popular among the commuters and also offers a high mileage.

Bajaj Avenger

The Bajaj Avenger is currently the most affordable cruiser bike in India and traces its roots to the Bajaj Eliminator. Since the bike shares its basic design and architecture with the Eliminator, it can be said to be more than 15 years old now. The current generation model comes in either a sporty, street trim or a blingy, cruiser styled trim and the engine on both the bikes are also different.