The fact that these bikes have generated such a strong pull towards owning these bikes has reinforced the adage once again: Old is gold. You may be curious to know what made these machines in great demand even today. We have listed 5 bikes here which have continued to remain in the memories of the real bike lovers of India. Some of them are unanimously icons while others are fondly remembered with amusement.
The name bullet obviously must have been due to the power and speed the bike had and continues to possess even today. The bike is known for its 350 cc engine and its ‘thump' that is so distinct. The Royal Enfield turned into Enfield India in 1955 when it joined hands with Madras Bike Company. Since then, as they say, it's history. The thump of Bullet has been echoing in the heartbeat of the nation all these years.
This bike burst into the scene soon after its predecessor CD 100 receded into the sidelines though CD 100 was welcome with a fanfare due to its huge mileage and relatively easier manoeuvrability and lightness. Hero Honda Splendor was a sort of replacement for this first bike from the stable of Hero Corp. The Splendor exceeded the expectations of the masses because they were waiting for something similar or superior to the legendary CD 100. The bike enabled Hero Group to spread its wings all across India. It sold in large numbers in no time. It was famed for its low price and superior mileage.
The next bike on this list is something known for its superb acceleration. The bike was famed to be more powerful than what its engine configuration read. It is owned even today by many Indians who flaunt it with pride. Its two-stroke engine bellowed an enviable power of 1100 horsepower at 8500 RPM. The bike was launched in 1985. Its superlative power and performance at mindboggling acceleration made it way beyond its competitors. The owners of this bike swore by the way it picked up pace from zero.
Bajaj Pulsar appeared in 2001 when extreme fuel efficiency was the trend. A high-capacity bike then was the one and only Royal Enfield Bullet 350. The company went against the trend and launched Bajaj Pulsar 150. It took the market by storm. It soon captured the imagination of the young and restless. The bike set the adrenaline flowing of its riders. The bike ran like a speedster but looked like a smooth and comfy tourer. It underwent some facelift in the following years that helped it secure the number one spot in the bike segment in terms of sales volume.
Hero Honda Karizma was one of the first real fancy bikes for the youth of that era. Though we have placed it fifth on the list, it has no less importance in the popularity chart or the nostalgia it causes. It came in to straighten the competition flat and to take a lead alongside competitors. And the bike succeeded in taking a big dent into the thrill and fancy segment of the bike industry. Somehow the machine could not stand the test of time because of its high price and pretty low mileage. In many respects, Karizma was the fitting response to Bajaj Pulsar. Today you don't find Karizma on the roads but the Karizma remains in your mind about a bike that had speed, style, and chutzpa.
