safety net of dual-channel ABS. 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 the 6 most affordable bikes currently on sale that get dual-channel ABS.
Bajaj Pulsar NS200
Rs 1.52 lakh
Kicking off this list with the eldest NS sibling – the Pulsar NS200. It offers all the sportiness of the smaller NS160, but with a more powerful, liquid-cooled 200cc engine. This is the only motor here to feature liquid-cooling, and also the most powerful bike on this list, at 24.5hp(same as the N250). Dual-channel ABS is standard, and the bike is priced at Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
Rs 1.49 lakh
The Apache RTR 200 4V has always been a feature-rich motorcycle, and aside from dual-channel ABS, it also gets 3 riding modes, fully digital instrumentation with Bluetooth connectivity, a crash alert function, adjustable levers and adjustable suspension. Dual-channel ABS is standard and the RTR 200 4V is priced at Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Recently, TVS has also added a new-top spec variant that gets an USD fork with reprofiled handlebar for a price tag of Rs 1.54 lakh.
Bajaj Pulsar N250
Rs 1.44 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, with the N250 priced at Rs 1.44 lakh, undercutting a few smaller displacement bikes on this list.
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
Rs 1.39 lakh
The next bike on the list is also a 160cc offering from Bajaj, in the form of the Pulsar 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 lineup does show its age, though, and the new-gen Pulsars (like the N160) offer a more polished experience. The NS160 is priced at Rs 1.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), and it gets dual-channel ABS as standard.
TVS Apache RTR 160 2V
Rs 1.34 lakh
A recent entrant on this list is the smallest Apache– the RTR 160 2V. It has been recently updated to comply with more stringent OBD-2B 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 1.34 lakh.
Bajaj Pulsar N160
Rs 1.33 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 1.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
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