Year after year, we’re spoilt for choice as we sit down to pick deserving candidates in various categories. After a lot of deliberation, here is our list of winners for the year 2024.
Commuter of The Year — Hero Xtreme 160R 4V
When it comes to making commuters, no one does a better job than Hero MotoCorp. The Xtreme 160R 4V looks like a proper street naked, with its muscular styling, and yet, with its new 4-valve overhead treatment, floors everyone with its frugality.
Premium Motorcycle of The Year — Triumph Scrambler 400 X
Okay, this was a pretty tough call between the Speed 400 and the KTM 390 Duke, but come on, there’s nothing as versatile as Triumph’s youngest scrambler. Despite its relatively low price, the brand has managed to set new benchmarks in terms of quality and finish.
Design of The Year — KTM 390 Duke
KTM has gone all guns blazing with the design of the new 390 Duke. The aggressive tank extensions, sinister-looking headlight and the exposed die-cast aluminium frame all make it a proper head-turner.
Cruiser of The Year — Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The Super Meteor looks like a proper American cruiser, with its hefty proportions and laidback riding posture. Don’t forget the performance that comes with the 648cc parallel-twin engine, either.
ADV of The Year — Royal Enfield Himalayan
To write the next chapter of its ADV journey, Royal Enfield decided not to update, but rather redefine what the Himalayan was, improving it in almost every aspect. It’s now a world-class bike, and so we had no hesitation in giving it this trophy.
Manufacturer of The Year — Bajaj Auto Ltd
The Chakan-based manufacturer aced it last year, with the debut of the Triumph 400 twins and the new KTM Duke siblings. Bajaj not only set new quality benchmarks with the Triumphs, but also managed to make the British and the Austrian bikes affordable. All that while, it improved its own Pulsar lineup, with some great models.
Motorcycle of The Year — Triumph Speed 400
At Rs 2.23 lakh (ex-showroom), nothing comes close to offering the performance, quality or ride experience of the Speed 400. Bajaj and Triumph have stayed true to the Speed’s British pedigree and have ensured that the motorcycle isn’t a cut-rate model – it genuinely feels like a roadster from the House of Hinckley.
Performance Bike of The Year — KTM 390 Duke
This one was obvious, right? The Triumph duo came pretty close, but there’s no beating the Duke. With more performance, it has also gained better hardware in the form of adjustable suspension, lighter wheels and brakes, and of course, more electronics – all while still keeping its price competitive.
