Expert Review of the Latest Bikes in India
1. Yamaha FZ Blue Flex
The Yamaha FZ Blue Flex is one of India’s newest flex-fuel motorcycles. Its 149cc fuel-injected engine can operate on ethanol-petrol blends ranging from E20 to E85. It produces 8.6kW of power and 12.8Nm of torque and comes with a five-speed gearbox. Yamaha launched it at ₹1,24,240 ex-showroom Delhi. Official Yamaha launch details
Major advantages
- E20-to-E85 flex-fuel compatibility
- Familiar FZ streetfighter design
- Comfortable single-piece seat
- LED projector headlamp and LED tail lamp
- Front and rear disc brakes
- ABS for additional braking safety
- Suitable for regular city commuting
Things to consider
- Initially available through selected Blue Square dealerships
- E85 fuel is not equally available across India
- Performance is commuter-focused rather than sporty
- Currently offered only in Metallic Black
Expert opinion: The FZ Blue Flex is a forward-looking urban motorcycle, but its real ownership advantage will depend on the availability and pricing of high-ethanol fuel in the buyer’s city.
Expert rating: 4.1/5
2. Royal Enfield Classic 350 – 2026 Model
The 2026 Classic 350 retains its 349cc J-series engine, producing 20.2bhp and 27Nm. Its important new additions are an assist-and-slipper clutch and USB Type-C fast-charging port. Prices start from ₹1,87,434 ex-showroom. 2026 Classic 350 launch report
Major advantages
- Attractive retro design
- Refined and relaxed 349cc engine
- New assist-and-slipper clutch
- Reduced clutch effort in traffic
- USB Type-C fast-charging port
- Comfortable upright riding posture
- Strong dealership and service presence
- Multiple variants and colour options
Things to consider
- At approximately 195kg, it is relatively heavy
- Performance remains unchanged
- Base variants may miss some premium equipment
- Not designed for aggressive or high-speed riding
Expert opinion: This is an evolutionary update rather than an entirely new motorcycle. The lighter clutch and fast-charging port make an already popular retro roadster more convenient for everyday use.
Expert rating: 4.4/5
3. Kawasaki Ninja 500 – 2026 Model
The 2026 Ninja 500 uses a 451cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing approximately 44bhp and 42.6Nm. The new model is E20-compliant and receives Kawasaki’s signature Lime Green colour scheme. It is priced at approximately ₹5.76 lakh ex-showroom. Official Kawasaki Ninja 500 details
Major advantages
- Smooth parallel-twin engine
- Strong mid-range performance
- Lightweight trellis frame
- Comfortable sport-touring riding position
- Assist-and-slipper clutch
- Attractive Ninja family design
- Suitable for highway rides and weekend touring
Things to consider
- Expensive compared with some locally manufactured rivals
- Limited changes over the previous model
- Premium-bike servicing and spare parts can be costly
- Pillion comfort is only average
Expert opinion: The Ninja 500 remains a friendly introduction to twin-cylinder sport motorcycles. It is refined and approachable, although the 2026 update offers limited additional value to existing Ninja 500 owners.
Expert rating: 4.2/5
4. Honda CB750 Hornet E-Clutch
The CB750 Hornet E-Clutch has a 755cc parallel-twin engine producing 67.5kW and 75Nm. Its E-Clutch system automatically manages clutch operation while retaining a conventional gear lever and manual override. The motorcycle also has a five-inch TFT display, RoadSync connectivity and a 795mm seat. Official Honda specifications
Major advantages
- Strong power-to-weight ratio
- Smooth and responsive twin-cylinder engine
- Clutchless starting, stopping and gear changes
- Manual clutch override remains available
- Accessible 795mm seat height
- Five-inch connected TFT display
- Premium Showa suspension
- Effective dual front disc brakes
Things to consider
- ₹10.49 lakh ex-showroom price is substantial
- Limited BigWing/Topline dealership reach
- Wind protection is minimal
- E-Clutch adds electronic complexity
- Not ideal for inexperienced riders despite its convenience
Expert opinion: This is one of the most exciting middleweight street motorcycles in the latest Indian market. E-Clutch makes city use easier without removing rider involvement, but its premium price narrows the target audience.
Expert rating: 4.5/5
5. Honda XL750 Transalp E-Clutch
The XL750 Transalp uses the same 755cc parallel-twin platform as the Hornet, delivering 67.5kW and 75Nm. It adds adventure-focused bodywork, five riding modes, switchable rear ABS, an 850mm seat and a 16.9-litre fuel tank. Its ex-showroom price is approximately ₹13.20 lakh. Official Honda Transalp details
Major advantages
- Powerful yet manageable twin-cylinder engine
- Excellent highway-touring capability
- E-Clutch reduces fatigue in traffic
- Five selectable riding modes
- Switchable rear-wheel ABS
- Comfortable upright ergonomics
- Good wind protection
- Suitable for highways and moderate off-road trails
Things to consider
- Tall 850mm seat may trouble shorter riders
- Expensive for occasional touring
- Costly if dropped during off-road riding
- Service reach is more limited than mass-market Hondas
Expert opinion: The Transalp E-Clutch is an excellent all-round adventure tourer for riders who regularly travel long distances. Its biggest strengths are versatility, usable performance and reduced clutch fatigue.
Expert rating: 4.6/5
6. Royal Enfield Bullet 650
The Bullet 650 combines traditional Bullet styling with Royal Enfield’s 648cc parallel-twin engine, six-speed transmission and slipper clutch. It also gets Showa suspension, twin chrome exhausts and an updated instrument console. Its launch price is approximately ₹3.65 lakh ex-showroom. Official Bullet 650 information
Major advantages
- Smooth 648cc parallel-twin engine
- Distinctive heritage styling
- Strong low- and mid-range performance
- Relaxed highway cruising ability
- Six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch
- Comfortable upright riding position
- Strong road presence
- Competitive price for a twin-cylinder motorcycle
Things to consider
- Heavy for city traffic and parking
- Basic electronics compared with newer premium bikes
- Engine heat can be noticeable in congestion
- Limited colour choices at launch
- Not intended for sharp or aggressive cornering
Expert opinion: The Bullet 650 is aimed at riders who value character, heritage and relaxed performance more than advanced electronics. It is especially attractive as a weekend cruiser and highway motorcycle.
Expert rating: 4.4/5
7. Hero Super Splendor XTEC 2.0
Hero’s updated 125cc commuter uses a 124.7cc engine producing approximately 10.7bhp and 10.6Nm. It receives revised graphics, a digital instrument console, hazard-warning function and other commuter-focused features. Prices start at approximately ₹86,500 ex-showroom. Official Hero model details
Major advantages
- Economical 125cc commuter engine
- Comfortable daily riding position
- Five-speed transmission
- Digital instrument cluster
- i3S idle start-stop technology
- Low ownership and maintenance costs
- Wide Hero service network
- Suitable for city and semi-urban use
Things to consider
- Conservative design
- Highway performance is limited
- Not as sporty as some 125cc competitors
- Some features may depend on the selected variant
Expert opinion: The Super Splendor XTEC 2.0 is one of the most sensible options for buyers prioritising mileage, reliability and affordable maintenance. It is practical rather than exciting—and that is exactly its purpose.
Expert rating: 4.3/5
8. Honda NX500 E-Clutch
The updated Honda NX500 is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine generating 35kW and 43Nm. Its major highlight is Honda’s E-Clutch system, accompanied by a colour TFT display and connected functionality. Its ex-showroom price is ₹7,43,900. Official Honda NX500 specifications
Major advantages
- Refined and reliable parallel-twin engine
- Easy-to-use E-Clutch technology
- Manageable adventure-bike performance
- Comfortable upright riding position
- Colour TFT instrument display
- Suitable for touring and everyday riding
- Better accessibility than larger adventure motorcycles
Things to consider
- Expensive for its engine capacity
- More road-biased than hardcore off-road motorcycles
- E-Clutch increases the price over the standard model
- BigWing service availability should be checked locally
Expert opinion: The NX500 E-Clutch is a strong choice for riders entering the premium adventure segment. It offers manageable performance and everyday usability, although value-conscious buyers may find the pricing difficult to justify.
Expert rating: 4.3/5
Best Latest Bikes by Requirement
| Buyer’s requirement |
Recommended latest bike |
| Best latest commuter bike |
Hero Super Splendor XTEC 2.0 |
| Best flex-fuel bike |
Yamaha FZ Blue Flex |
| Best retro motorcycle |
Royal Enfield Classic 350 |
| Best heritage twin-cylinder bike |
Royal Enfield Bullet 650 |
| Best sports bike |
Kawasaki Ninja 500 |
| Best premium street bike |
Honda CB750 Hornet E-Clutch |
| Best accessible adventure bike |
Honda NX500 E-Clutch |
| Best long-distance adventure tourer |
Honda XL750 Transalp E-Clutch |
Things to Check Before Buying a New Bike
- Confirm the latest ex-showroom and on-road price.
- Check waiting period and dealership availability.
- Take a proper test ride in city traffic.
- Evaluate seat height, weight and riding posture.
- Compare real-world mileage, not only claimed mileage.
- Check service-centre availability in your area.
- Obtain insurance and annual maintenance estimates.
- Confirm the variant’s ABS and safety equipment.
- For flex-fuel bikes, verify E85 availability locally.
- For premium motorcycles, consider tyre and spare-part costs.
- Calculate EMI using the final on-road price.
- Always budget for a certified helmet and riding equipment.