In every comparison that we do, there has to be a loser, and though we hate to put a finger on it, a consumer's right to choice dictates it. There is no doubt in our minds that the Challenger is just not in the league of the other bikes in this test. Whether it is engine refinement, power delivery or handling, the Challenger has many areas to improve in. The abundance of chrome plus the fact that its array of gizmos bump up its price to bring it at par to the superior competition, doesn't help its cause either.

In our opinion, the Boss, which is basically a stripped-down Challenger, both in terms of features as well as price, is a far better buy. Not just over the Challenger, but probably over its immediate competitors like the Dawn as well. Sorry Kinetic, but the Challenger should go, as its sales figues might have been telling you for some time now.

Next to go is the Yamaha Crux, which does almost everything adequately but is not pretty enough, not comfortable enough, and not cheap enough. But a very nice and reliable bike to putter around town nonetheless.

But after these two, the game gets really interesting. In fact, the Passion, the Freedom and the Victor are so closely matched that it feels criminal to pick one winner. But what has to be done, has to be done. It is only by a piston-stroke that the Victor wins, but in second place are not one but two bikes. Both the
Passion and the Freedom are evenly matched, that too after weighing their respective strengths and weaknesses. While the Passion has driveability, the Freedom has top-end power. While they are nearly matched on price, the best part is that they look like twins. How closer could it get!

The winner, however, does all things adequately, and a few things brilliantly. Actually the only reason the Victor nudges ahead to the winner's spot is because it does nothing badly and doesn't give anything to complain about. Ride it to know how good it is. A true deserving winner. 

TESTERS NOTES
Challenger's digital gear indicator and side-stand warning light nice touches.
Crux very tractable due to long stroke, though not very stable at high speeds.
Veteran of the pack, the Passion is still great fun to ride.
Handlebar of Freedom a bit too low - needs getting used to.
Economy-Power indicator lights on Victor helpful in controlling throttle inputs better than a tachometer.