For years, Pakistani riders who wanted something bigger and more characterful than a 150cc commuter had very few options. That is finally changing. Two bikes in particular are getting a lot of attention right now: the brand new Sothassi Classic 400, the first model from a Pakistani premium brand, and the Hi-Speed Cyclone 250, a chopper-styled cruiser that has quietly become one of the most talked-about quarter-litre bikes in the country.
Both sit in roughly the same price bracket. Both are aimed at the rider stepping up from a commuter into something with more presence. But they are very different machines underneath, and the right choice depends on what you actually want from a bike. Here is an honest head-to-head.
Price: Closer Than You Think
The Sothassi Classic 400 launched at an introductory ex-factory price of Rs 845,000. That is a firm, announced figure from the company, and bookings are open through their facility in Rawat.
The Hi-Speed Cyclone 250 is a little more complicated. It comes in two versions, and prices in the market have moved around. The non-ABS version has been quoted by dealers in the region of Rs 760,000 to 775,000, while the ABS-equipped version sits closer to Rs 860,000. That means depending on which variant you look at, the Cyclone can be either meaningfully cheaper than the Sothassi or slightly more expensive.
Because these are new models in a fast-moving segment, prices change. Always confirm the current figure with an authorised dealer before you commit. You can also get a sense of what your budget stretches to across the wider market using the price calculator on Byke Lelo.
Engine and Performance: The Sothassi Has the Muscle
This is the clearest difference between the two. The Classic 400 runs a 397.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 19.5 kW at 7,000 rpm, which works out to roughly 26 horsepower, along with 30 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Worth noting that some early reports quoted a claimed 29 hp for this bike, so treat the exact figure as something to confirm with the company. Either way, it is comfortably the more powerful machine here.
The Hi-Speed Cyclone 250 uses a 249cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine making around 19 horsepower and 18 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. On paper it gives away a significant chunk of both power and torque to the Sothassi.
What matters more than the numbers is the character. The Classic 400's larger engine and higher torque at lower revs should give it that relaxed, effortless pull that big retro bikes are loved for. The Cyclone, with less displacement but a six-speed box, will need to work a little harder but should still feel far livelier than any 150cc commuter.
Fuel Delivery: The Cyclone's Big Advantage
Here the tables turn completely. The Hi-Speed Cyclone 250 uses electronic fuel injection, while the Sothassi Classic 400 uses a carburetor.
This matters more than many buyers realise. EFI generally means easier cold starts, better fuel efficiency, more consistent running in different weather and altitudes, and less fiddling with tuning. A carburetor is simpler and cheaper to repair, and any roadside mechanic in Pakistan can work on one, which is a genuine advantage in smaller cities. But in 2026, at this price point, EFI is what most buyers expect.
If you value modern technology and hassle-free running, the Cyclone wins this round clearly. If you value mechanical simplicity and the ability to get it fixed anywhere cheaply, the Sothassi's carburetor is not the drawback it might first appear.
Starting, Brakes and Practical Details
The Sothassi Classic 400 offers both electric and kick start, which is a genuinely useful bit of old-school insurance if your battery ever dies. The Cyclone 250 is electric start only.
Both bikes come with disc brakes front and rear. The Cyclone additionally offers a version with ABS, which is a meaningful safety feature on a heavier, faster bike, especially on wet Pakistani roads during the monsoon. If you are choosing the Cyclone, the ABS variant is worth the extra money in our view.
Both carry a 13 litre fuel tank, which is a sensible size for mixed city and highway use. The Sothassi has a slightly longer 1,420 mm wheelbase against the Cyclone's 1,380 mm, which should translate to a more planted, stable feel at speed on the Sothassi.
Styling: Retro Roadster vs Chopper
These two bikes chase very different looks, and this may end up being your deciding factor.
The Sothassi Classic 400 goes for the classic British-inspired retro roadster style: a round headlamp, an upright riding position, spoked wheels and twin exhausts. It is aiming squarely at the timeless look that so many Pakistani riders have admired for decades but rarely been able to buy.
The Hi-Speed Cyclone 250 leans toward a darker, chopper-influenced cruiser aesthetic with a lower, longer stance. It looks modern and aggressive rather than vintage, and it has been praised for build quality that feels solid for the money.
Neither is objectively better. Sit on both if you can, and go with the one that makes you want to ride.
The Brand Question
This is where you need to think beyond the spec sheet. Hi-Speed has been operating in Pakistan for years and has built a dealer and parts network around its existing models, including the popular Infinity 150. That existing support infrastructure has real value when something needs fixing.
Sothassi is brand new. The Classic 400 is its first model, launched alongside the Crossfire 500 and Cromwell 1200. The brand is Pakistani, which is genuinely exciting, and there is a lot of goodwill behind it. But as with any new manufacturer, the after-sales network, parts availability and long-term reliability record simply do not exist yet because the bikes have not been on the road long enough.
This is not a reason to avoid the Sothassi. Someone has to be an early adopter, and new brands only succeed if buyers take a chance. But go in with open eyes: ask about warranty terms, service centres in your city and parts supply before you pay. Those answers matter as much as the horsepower figure.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Sothassi Classic 400 if: you want the most power and torque for your money, you love classic retro styling, you like the idea of supporting a Pakistani premium brand, and you value mechanical simplicity that any mechanic can service. Make sure you are comfortable being an early customer of a brand new company.
Choose the Hi-Speed Cyclone 250 if: you want modern EFI technology and the option of ABS, you prefer a chopper-style look, and you value buying from a company with an established dealer and parts network in Pakistan. The non-ABS version also gives you a lower entry price.
Do the Comparison Yourself
Specs on a page only tell you so much. Before you spend this kind of money, test ride both if you possibly can, ask hard questions about warranty and service, and compare them against the other premium options now appearing in Pakistan. You can put any two bikes side by side on the free comparison tool on Byke Lelo, and browse current 2026 models and prices to see the full picture.
If you decide to upgrade, remember your current bike still has value. You can list it for free on Byke Lelo and reach buyers across Pakistan while you shop for its replacement.
The Bigger Picture
Whichever way you lean, the real story here is that Pakistani riders finally have a choice in this segment. A few years ago, wanting a 250cc or 400cc retro cruiser meant either paying a fortune for an import or simply going without. Now there are real options at real prices, with more arriving.
That competition is good for all of us. It pushes prices down, quality up, and gives riders the kind of bikes they have wanted for years. Take your time, do your homework, and enjoy the fact that the decision is finally yours to make.
