Best Gearless Two-Wheelers in India

Gearless bikes, popularly referred to as scooters, have revolutionised how Indians commute. Their ease of use, practicality, and affordability have made them an increasingly popular choice for people from all walks of life. Whether you are a student navigating bustling campus roads, a professional battling daily traffic, or a homemaker running errands, gearless bikes offer a convenient and hassle-free solution.

Let’s explore the best gearless 2-wheelers in India, discussing their popularity, different models, insurance options, and maintenance tips.

Why Gearless Bikes Are Gaining Popularity

Easy to operate

Gearless bikes do not have a clutch or gear shift, so they are very easy to operate. This makes them ideal for new riders and those who want a simple riding experience without dealing with multiple gears. You just turn the throttle and go.

Low maintenance

The simple design of gearless bikes means lower maintenance requirements. There are fewer moving parts, so they are very reliable and durable. Oil changes and tune-ups are also less frequent. This can save you time and money in the long run.

Space-efficient

The best two-wheeler gearless in India has a step-through design with no bulky components like a chain or sprocket. This provides an open, spacious riding position and makes it easy to get on and off the scooter.

Affordable

Gearless bikes are very budget-friendly, with many models starting under ₹50,000. They provide an affordable and practical means of transportation for daily commuting and errands. The low initial cost, combined with the savings on fuel and maintenance, means very low overall ownership costs.

Understanding the Mechanics of Gearless Bikes

So, how do gearless bikes work exactly? Unlike geared motorcycles that require manual gear shifting, gearless bikes have an automatic clutch that seamlessly transfers power from the engine to the wheels. This allows for a smooth, uninterrupted ride without needing to manually operate a clutch lever or shift gears.

Most of the best gearless bikes in India have a CVT (continuously variable transmission) or V-Matic transmission. These transmissions automatically adjust based on your speed and load to provide optimal power delivery at any given moment.

Low maintenance, longer engine life

Since no manual gear shifting is involved, gearless bikes place less stress on the engine. This significantly reduces wear and tear, allowing the engine to last longer. The lack of a clutch also means fewer moving parts, so gearless bikes require less frequent maintenance and service.

Improved fuel efficiency

The automatic transmissions on gearless bikes are designed to keep the engine in its optimal power range based on your speed. This helps maximise power delivery when needed and improves fuel efficiency when cruising at a constant speed. Most gearless bikes offer a mileage of 55 to 65 kmpl, which can help save money on fuel costs in the long run.

Top 5 Best Gearless Bike Models in India

Honda Activa 6G

The Honda Activa 6G is the latest generation of India’s most popular scooter. It’s slightly larger than previous models, with an upgraded engine and new features like an external fuel inlet and underseat storage. The Activa 6G comes with a 109.2 cc engine that delivers 8 bhp and 8 Nm of torque, with a mileage of around 60 kmpl. It’s available in eight colours, starting at around ₹65,000*.

Honda Dio

Honda’s Dio scooter is a stylish and affordable option for young riders. It has a sporty design with dual-tone paint options and alloy wheels. The Dio is powered by a 109.2 cc engine producing 8 bhp and 8 Nm of torque, with a claimed mileage of 60 kmpl. It’s priced at around ₹52,000*.

Yamaha Fascino

Yamaha’s retro-styled Fascino scooter is popular for its stylish looks and reliability. It has a 113 cc engine producing 7 bhp and 8.1 Nm of torque, with a claimed 66 kmpl mileage. The Fascino starts at around ₹56,000*. It comes with a unified braking system and a large under-seat storage area.

TVS Jupiter

TVS’s Jupiter scooter is a popular, affordable option known for its comfort and mileage. It has a 109.7 cc engine producing 8 bhp and 8 Nm of torque, with a claimed mileage of 62 kmpl. The Jupiter starts around ₹49,000*. It offers telescopic front forks, optional disk brakes, and an electric start. TVS also offers an electric version, the Jupiter Electric.

Hero Maestro Edge

Hero’s Maestro Edge scooter offers great value at an affordable price. It has a 110.9 cc engine that produces 8.31 bhp and 8.30 Nm of torque, with a claimed mileage of 65.8 kmpl. The Maestro Edge starts at around ₹49,500*. It has features like a digital-analogue instrument cluster, under-seat storage, and optional front disk brakes. The Maestro Edge is a reliable, well-rounded scooter choice for budget-conscious riders.

Gearless bike insurance essentials

Here are the different types of two-wheeler insurance available in India:

Standalone own-damage insurance

If you are on a budget, consider standalone own-damage insurance. It covers costs for repairing or replacing your bike after an accident, theft, fire, or natural disaster. While basic, it provides essential protection for your vehicle.

Comprehensive insurance

For comprehensive protection, a comprehensive plan is ideal. It combines third-party liability coverage with your own damage insurance and allows you to add optional benefits like zero depreciation, consumables, engine protectors, etc. Comprehensive plans provide coverage for both two-wheeler owners and any third parties involved in an accident. Explore plans from Royal Sundaram to customise a two-wheeler insurance policy suited to your needs.

Add-on covers

To enhance your comprehensive policy, add optional add-on covers like zero depreciation, consumables, etc. Zero depreciation waives the depreciation deduction, allowing you to claim the full cost of replacement parts after an accident. Consumables cover the cost of engine oils, nuts, bolts, etc., in the event of an accident.

Tips for Maintaining Gearless Bike

Follow the service schedule

Like any vehicle, your gearless bike needs regular maintenance to keep running well. Follow the recommended service schedule in your owner’s manual for oil changes, tune-ups, tyre rotations, and more.

Monitor tyre pressure

Under-inflated tyres can damage the tread, reduce handling and braking ability, and lower gas mileage. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month with a reliable tyre gauge and inflate to the recommended PSI, usually around 30-35 PSI for most gearless bikes.

Change the oil regularly

Fresh oil is essential for your bike’s engine health. Most manufacturers recommend an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 kilometres. When the oil is dirty or breaking down, it won’t lubricate and cool parts effectively. Changing the oil regularly, along with the oil filter, will help prevent buildup, keep your engine running clean, and avoid expensive repairs down the road.

Wash and wax

Washing and waxing your gearless bike regularly prevents rust and keeps the paint looking new. Wash your bike at least once a month or when it’s visibly dirty. Use a dedicated motorcycle wash and wax or a mild car wash soap and wax. Rinse thoroughly with water, dry with a microfiber cloth, and apply a protective wax or sealant.

Conclusion

Best gearless bikes in India have become an indispensable part of the transportation landscape. If you are looking for a practical, affordable, and easy-to-ride two-wheeler, a scooter should be at the top of your list. Choose the one that suits your needs, and don't forget to protect your investment.

For complete peace of mind, consider Royal Sundaram. Our Two-Wheeler Insurance policy helps protect you from the risk of significant financial losses due to accidents, theft, or damage. Get a quote today and explore the benefits of riding with confidence.