Remembering The LML Graptor in India | 150cc Motorcycle

Two-wheeler industry in India has been booming since its birth, more so in the commuter segment. This segment is one of the toughest segments as there are motorcycles that don’t seem to bore people. But indeed those motorcycles have something that they are so old yet potent. Alongside them, some bikes came to the market to shake its competition but were not able to do so, LML Graptor is one of them.

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2004 | LML Graptor was Born in India

The year 2004, this is when the motorcycle industry was setting a firm foot in India. Many companies introduced motorcycles with multiple engine options. LML among them came up with a wide range of motorcycle one being the Graptor.

The motorcycle came in the era when Bajaj Pulsar, Hero Honda Karizma and Hero Honda CBZ ruled the streets. Talking about the LML Graptor, the bike had the right equipment to attract buyers. What the company lacked, was reputation. Without wasting further time let’s see what the motorcycle was all about.

LML Graptor | Powertrain and Transmission

Starting with the engine, the bike came with an air-cooled 150cc engine. The motor was fairly refined and had a lot of grunt but lacked the punch its rivals offered. Keeping that aside, the engine generated 13.5 hp of max power and 13Nm of max torque.

A really positive about the motorcycle was its transmission. The motor was mated to a 5-speed gearbox lending it an extra gear in the city, in turn aiding in increasing the mileage.

Was the LML Graptor a Head-Turner?

Aesthetics being subjective, the LML Graptor was a decent looking motorcycle. It was designed by an Italian company, Ugolini. It was the looks and ergonomics that made LML Graptor stand out in the crowd. The motorcycle came with a couple of unique features.

• Graptor back then boasted of front disc brakes. These lacked confidence but surely were superior to drum brakes.
• This 150cc bike also had a tachometer (RPM read-out) came handy when riding with confidence. A kill switch was also a boon in and enhanced the overall ownership experience.

Nostalgia: Remembering The 1999 Hero Honda CBZ | Before The Pulsar Came

Graptor and its Rivals

The bike said to come into a really competitive market with top-selling motorcycles like Bajaj Pulsar 150 and Hero Honda CBZ. It was the price that made this LML distinct. Talking about the number it was priced at ₹ 58,500 (ex-Showroom).

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FAQs

1. What is the mileage of LML Graptor?

The LML Graptor was reported to give an average mileage of 45-50kmpl on mixed conditions in real-life use and some riders have reported achieving almost 55kmpl with consistent highway use. According to user reviews of ownership sites, there is also a mileage of 40-45 kmpl, which varies based on usage and maintenance. In general, this was a relatively efficient 150cc commuter motorbike.

2. Does it mean the LML Freedom is no longer?

Yes, the LML Freedom is no longer availed at all. It was suspended when LML became financially troubled and went bankrupt in 2017. It has since ceased production of new units and all that is in the market are old models. The Freedom was reputed to be very fuel-efficient and simply designed before it was scrapped.

3. What is the price of the Bajaj LML bike?

There are two different motorcycle brands: LML and Bajaj. Due to the older LML models being discussed and their ex-showroom prices, the Freedom was priced at about 75,000 -80,000 ex-showroom in new condition. As LML does not produce bikes anymore, their prices are wholly dependent on the second-hand market and depend on the condition, location, and availability. On the other hand, the production of Bajaj motorcycles has not slowed down and the entry-level models such as the CT100 currently cost between 65,000 and 70,000 and the iconic models in the Pulsar range are between 120000 and 180000. This renders Bajaj bikes more affordable to the new market compared to the LML bikes which are regularly favoured by the used market by the enthusiasts and collectors.

4. Is LML coming back?

LML as an original manufacturer, liquidated and shut down in 2017 and its factory was destroyed, ending production. No massive re-entry into the old business of producing motorcycles has been known, but the brand name has been sometimes mentioned in the news in the prospective revival of the brand. At this point, LML is not an ordinary two-wheeler manufacturing company based in India.

5. What is the weakest bike in the Bajaj bike?

Bajaj CT100 is regarded as the poorest among Bajaj motorcycles in terms of engine power. It generates approximately 7.9 bhp with its 102cc engine, a factor that makes it the weakest engine in the Bajaj line. The bike is not a performance but a mileage and cheap bike which is the reason why the acceleration and top-end power of the bike are very limited compared to other Bajaj bikes.