Fashion changes with the trends, and so does the style. You can see these changes in auto and motor industry as well. But retro never seems to go out of style. Be it the clothes or automobiles, people seem to yearn for the classic look. Royal Enfield's tremendous sales and the excitement around the Jawa launch is a testament to the same. Classic cars and bikes are worth a lot, and some can even make millions if it is still in mint condition. People are crazy about the Yamaha’s RX 100 or the big daddy of them all, RD350 which still can smoke some of the fast bikes its segment. These retro cars and motorcycles though classic, are still old and therefore have an old engine, as well as their technology, is primitive. The best thing would be to have a modern engine and equipment while the body designed in a retro style. Now just for you, we have compiled a list below of five such bikes available for you to buy in India.
Jawa
When the launch of Jawa was announced fans were excited and on seeing the bike they went crazy over it. That is because the creators of the all-new Jawa not only were able to create a modern iteration of the vintage motorcycle successfully but also packed it with modern equipment and technology. Beautifully designed twin pipes not only look attractive but almost sound similar to the same old classic Jawa. Hence the new Jawa retains those reminiscent lines and also has a BSVI-compliant 293cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. This motor produces 27PS of power with 28Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Single channel ABS is offered as standard. Jawa can be yours for Rs 1.64 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Royal Enfield Interceptor
Royal Enfield is playing aces with their modern-day interpretation of the Interceptor that was sold between 1960 and 1970. All new Interceptor is just the right mix of modern and retro styling which has won the hearts of enthusiasts and critics alike. Similarly, the 648cc parallel-twin engine produces 47.6PS of power and 53Nm of torque. Surprisingly this huge engine is free from any vibration, all thanks to the counter-balancer that negates the vibrations. Who would have imagined a vibration-free Royal Enfield! But its true and also makes it the most refined motorcycles sold in India in its segment. Available with dual-channel ABS as standard, the Interceptor retails from Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
FB Mondial HPS 300
Italian two-wheeler manufacturer FB Mondial is best known for Motorcycle World Championships between 1949 and 1957 when they completely ruled it. FB Mondial created some of the most advanced and successful Grand Prix road racers that won many World Championships. So, with such a rich and successful history, FB Mondial’s neo-retro cafe racer designed HPS 300. The aggressive stance and its side profile make it look like a cafe racer. But things like dual exhausts and spoked rims are more reminiscent of a scrambler. So, it won't be entirely wrong to call this design part-scrambler and part-cafe racer. HPS 300 has a 249cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that generates 25PS of power and 22Nm of torque. If you desire exclusivity, then FB Mondial HPS 300 is the bike to go for which is priced at Rs 3.37 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Vespa VXL 125/150
Vespa with its classic looks and retro design started the wave of neo-retro bikes in India. Complimenting to its retro looks does have modern underpinnings. Like for instance, the Vespa VXL 125 and 150 are available in two engine options - 125cc and 150cc, respectively. The VXL’s smooth and flowing lines remind you of the bygone era when things used to be simple yet beautiful. But with high-quality switchgear, excellent paint finish, smartphone connectivity, anti-dive front suspension, and fat tyres at both ends display the modern yet practical touches to this classic. Vespa has mastered the formula of combining the vintage with the contemporary, and the VXL is proof of that. So, if you are in the market for a stylish and premium scooter look no further, Vespa is the way to go. The smaller VXL 125 is available for Rs 74,884 while, the bigger VXL 150 retails at Rs 92,594 (both ex-showroom, Delhi).
Triumph Bonneville T100
If we talk about neo-retro bikes in India, no motorcycle is as classic as the Triumph Bonneville. This bike with its classic looks quite attractive and is very comfortable to ride. So, it is not much of a surprise that the Bonneville is one of the star sellers for Triumph. Don’t go on its Retro looks as it has many modern technologies. To name a few, you get ride-by-wire, standard dual-channel ABS, switchable traction control, and a USB charging point. Powered by an ultra-refined 900cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine, it produces 55PS of power and 80Nm of torque. The Bonneville T100 is not only suitable for daily use but takes on the highway with ease. Rs 8.7 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) price may sound little premium but as we have shown you do get your money’s worth.