While there are numerous options available in cruiser bikes belong to 1000cc and plus segment, the options are limited in 600-800cc class in India but the evolving Indian automobile segment takes the guarantee for the upcoming options in the same and even lower segment of bikes. Lets discuss the cruiser bikes available for us in 600cc to 800cc class.
1. Harley Davidson Street 750
- 749cc, Liquid cooled, V-Twin Engine
- 58.8 Ps Of Power
- 60 Nm Of Torque
- 222 Kg Kerb Weight
- 13.1 L Fuel Capacity
- Rs 4.10 Lacs Ex- showroom, Delhi Price
Harley Davidson is the foremost name that comes in our minds when we talk about cruiser bikes, they are known for big cruiser bikes throughout the World, there bikes are reliable and durable in nature, the credit for this goes to the strict quality parameters they have set for themselves. It is only recently that Harley Davidson has not only come to India but they have also establish manufacturing facility in our country which is first ever setup of Harley Davidson outside United States Of America.
The result of Harely's own manufacturing unit in India has come out as its first made in India Street 750 and Street 500 cruiser bikes. However Harley Davidson have only launched the Street 750 first in India but the Street 500 will also follow the Street 750 soon.
The HD Street 750 is also the cheapest Harley available in our country, the bike has every bit of Harley's DNA in a typical Harley style. It has 746cc V-Twin engine which is also the least capacity engine amongst the Harley line up in India. This made in India engine has been manufactured on the strict parameters of Harley Davidson, however there has been few niggles which were spotted and reported by the end users and our media fraternity about the finesse of the bike and few cheap quality parts used by Harley; the use of MRF tyres was also one of the concern shown by the experts, but then one should also remember that it is the cheapest bike from the Harley's stable and quality never comes cheap...........
Overall the Street 750 is a typical Harley and it is a fantastic option for those who always dreamt about the Harley but could never afford one.
2. Hyosung ST7
- 678.2cc, Liquid cooled, V-Twin Engine
- 58.4 Ps Of Power
- 57 Nm Of Torque
- 244 Kg Kerb Weight
- 17 L Fuel Capacity
- Rs 5.79 Lacs Ex- showroom, Delhi Price
Hyosung being South Korean automobile company is slowly but steadily growing in India, it has variety of products to offer to cater different market segments. Hyosung is operating with its Indian partner DSK Motowheels in the country, they bring their products through CKD route.
On one hand Hyosung products seem value for money on other hand lack of finesse in their products and quality issues along with limited sales and service network make it a cautious buy.
The Hyosung ST7 is a perfect cruiser styled bike equipped with lots of modern gadgetry, leave apart the fit and finish of ST7 it has all possible attributes of cruiser bike like any-other American brand. But the heart of the bike its engine lacks not only refinement but also the sole of any cruiser its character; the Torque which generally comes from Long stroke engines of cruisers. However Hyosung has done a great job with the designing of the ST7 keeping its modern and retro charm balanced.
The Hyosung ST7 is a big bike and it has a tremendous road presence, it is probably the largest cruiser available in its class at this price tag.
3. Hyosung GV650 Aquila Pro
- 647cc, Liquid cooled, V-Twin Engine
- 80.1 Ps Of Power
- 68 Nm Of Torque
- 240 Kg Kerb Weight
- 16 L Fuel Capacity
- Rs 4.99 Lacs Ex- showroom, Delhi Price
Hyosung has another offering from the same class the Hyosung GV650 Aquila Pro, it is essentially a power cruiser and comes loaded with lots of features. The Hyosung GV650 Aquila Pro is a good looking bike and I bet you can resist going for this bike just because of its looks.
The GV650 Aquila Pro is equipped with same 647cc liquid cooled engine of Hyosung GT650R, which is enough to make it a powerful bike but same short stroke high revving engine devoid the character of a cruiser. The bike has urgency of a sportbike rather than composure of a cruiser all thanks to its mill.
It is a perfect bike for those who give preference to the looks over the character of a cruiser, as I already mentioned it is a looker and the most powerful one amongst all. Hyosung has priced the GV650 Aquila Pro very prudently, it lures many and it locks horns directly with Harley Davidson Street 750.
4. Suzuki Intruder M800
- 805cc, Liquid cooled, V-Twin Engine
- 52.7 Ps Of Power
- 68.4 Nm Of Torque
- 269 Kg Kerb Weight
- 15.5 L Fuel Capacity
- Rs 9.5 Lacs Ex- showroom, Delhi Price
Suzuki Motorcycles are ablaze in India launching different products in a regular intervals, the recent launch of Gixxer in its premium 150cc segment brings it under spotlight. Suzuki has almost every international product of its for sale in India, Salman Khan being the brand ambassador of Suzuki Motorcycles India endorses all of its Indian Product lineup.
Suzuki has Intruder M800 as its offering in 800cc cruiser segment, the bike is inspired by its bigger sibling Suzuki Intruder M1800R. The bike is quipped with 805cc liquid cooled V-Twin engine. It is one of the most expensive bikes available in its class.
Suzuki has recently dropped the price of Inazuma 250 by Rs 1 Lac, showing its sensitivity towards the Indian price conscious market. It is also expected from Suzuki to further cut-short the price of its other products available to boost the sales. But even dropping the price of its already overpriced Suzuki Intruder M800 wont help much.
If you are hardcore Suzuki fan and can't live without it then the Intruder M800 is the only option you have from Suzuki's stable. But if the pricing of Intruder M800 is stopping you to buy one then wait till Suzuki starts its manufacturing unit in India as they have already declared to make India as their global manufacturing hub.
By: Farhan Kashif