Hardwire Picks The Best Motorcycles Of 2024

2024 has been a busy year for bike enthusiasts. All the top brands launched their best bikes in the segment. It’s like the motorcycle Gods came together, prepared a tank of high-octane espresso and rather than spilling it on the project laptop, they worked hard and said, “Let’s drop every shiny, roaring beast we’ve been tinkering with in one go!”

KTM, Royal Enfield and every other brand you’ve ever admired (or secretly envied your neighbour for owning) decided this was the year to blow our minds and our budgets.

Imagine walking down a street where all the new bikes are parked and every machine is flaunting its curves and horsepower like it’s the next big thing. 

On one side, big brands have showcased hyper motorcycles, while on the other side, brands like Bajaj have launched revolutionary CNG motorcycles.

In fact, EV brands also made big promises. Ola Electric showcased a bunch of its upcoming electric motorcycles, which were overshadowed by Ultraviolet's F99, the fastest electric sports motorcycle in India.

However, options always create confusion. We appreciate all the brands for launching powerful technologies but we also want to skip some brands that served outdated CBU units at higher prices. We’ve closely analysed the technologies of almost all the motorcycles this year and now, as we’re in December, let’s pick the best bikes in different segments.

Let’s dive into the best bikes of 2024!

Best motorcycle under 200cc

In this price range, while most brands were busy launching petrol bikes with cosmetic changes, Bajaj introduced the world’s first Bajaj Freedom 125 with a CNG cylinder. Bajaj has done a fantastic job by providing both petrol and CNG fuel options in this motorcycle.

In the second position, we like the package provided by the Hero Xtreme 125R. This motorcycle comes with a 124.7cc engine and aggressive styling. Following the TVS Raider 125, the Xtreme 125R quickly rose in demand right after its launch. Hero has even increased production of this motorcycle by 60 per cent to meet the market demands.

Best motorcycle under 400cc

This segment has seen some aggressive and stunning new entries. For us, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z holds the top rank because of its exceptional price-to-performance ratio. Powered by a 373.27cc single-cylinder engine, it is currently the most affordable motorcycle in the 400cc category. This machine can easily outperform the KTM 250 Duke, Hero Mavrick and even the Bajaj Dominar 400.

The second position goes to Royal Enfield for crafting a beautiful and aesthetic bobber – the Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350, which is arguably the most refined motorcycle under INR 2.5 lakhs. It is powered by the same 349cc J-series engine found in the Classic.

Other notable motorcycles in this segment include the Triumph Speed T4, TVS Apache RR 310 (new version) and the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. Among these, the Triumph Speed T4, powered by a 398.15cc engine, is the most accessible Triumph in this price range.

TVS has also done a fabulous job with the Apache RR 310. It now features enhanced power, a quick shifter and cruise control. The icing on the cake is its transparent body cover, reminiscent of the Ducati Panigale V4.

Best motorcycle under 500cc

In this category, the work done by Aprilia for making the RS457 is appreciable, This baby superbike comes with the latest technology aids and the much acclaimed dual-cylinder 457cc engine that generates 47.58 PS of peak power.

The second position in this category goes to the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. Based on the Himalayan 450, the Guerilla 450 is RE's bold attempt at making a sporty mid-capacity motorcycle featuring the brand's signature neo-retro looks. This motorcycle of the Royal Enfield family is capable of giving tough competition to the aggressive KTM Dukes at the same price point. 

Apart from these two machines we have seen the Ninja ZX4RR with 399cc in-line four engine and the Hero Mavrick 440. The Ninja ZX4RR is one of India's most expensive 400cc category track-oriented machines.

Best motorcycles under 700cc

The 700cc category offers motorcycles with slightly higher price tags but some brands excel at crafting beautiful machines at reasonable prices. In this segment, the top spot is shared by two motorcycles, both from the Royal Enfield group: the wild and fast Royal Enfield Bear 650 and the classy Shotgun 650.

The Bear 650 features a 648cc parallel-twin engine and adopts a scrambler style, making it ideal for adventurous riders. The Bear 650 is powered by the parallel twin 648cc engine which produces 47.4 PS of peak power and 56.5 Nm of peak torque whereas the Shotgun 650 is powered by the 648cc parallel-twin engine that generates 47.4 PS of max power and 52.3 Nm of peak torque.

In the second position, we have the BSA Goldstar 650, currently the most expensive and largest single-cylinder motorcycle in this category. It is powered by a 652cc engine and it generates 45 hp of peak power and 55 Nm of peak torque.

Triumph has also introduced the Daytona 660. It is powered by a 660cc inline-three engine that delivers an impressive 95 PS of power. If you’re looking for the best 660cc full-fairing machine, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R easily outshines it. The Ninja ZX-6R comes with a 636cc inline-four engine that generates 122.3 bhp of peak power, which makes it the perfect choice for track-oriented riders in this segment.

Best motorcycles under 1000cc

This category has seen some remarkable launches, including the highly anticipated KTM 890 Duke R, a hyper street-naked machine. Ducati has also introduced the Panigale V2 with a 955cc engine while Suzuki brought the GSX-8R onto the track. BMW expanded its portfolio with the F 900 GS and the F 900 GS Adventure.

Our top pick in this category is the Ducati Panigale V2 powered by the 955cc engine. The Panigale V2 is loaded with advanced electronics, ensuring an exhilarating yet controlled riding experience.

Best superbikes of 2024

The superbike segment has witnessed fierce competition in 2024. KTM launched the 1390 SuperDuke R but it couldn’t dethrone the Ducati dominators.

In the streetfighter superbike category, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 takes the crown. Its 1104cc engine produces an impressive 214 hp and a thrilling 120 Nm of peak torque. For full-faired superbikes, the Ducati Panigale V4 remains unbeatable with its 1103cc engine delivering a staggering 215.5 hp of peak power and 123.6 Nm of torque.

The iconic hot red colour of the Ducati continues to set hearts racing, leaving other brands in its wake.

Conclusion

From Ducati to Bajaj, 2024 has been a remarkable year for motorcycle enthusiasts, offering a wide range of beautifully crafted machines. Let’s hope the brands continue this tradition of excellence, delivering stunning and powerful motorcycles for years to come.