India is an immense and fast growing two-wheeler market. Over the past years, the Indian bike market is getting highly diversified and matured. There are simply innumerable motorcycle models that one can choose from depending on one’s preference and requirements. As the Indian bike lovers are going more for the sporty motorcycles, several homegrown and global makers are pouring in their great muscular bikes. Of course, the sports bikes are much more expensive than the regular commuter motorcycles, but they are well worth it for the hardcore bikers. Moreover, as the Indian bike market has matured a lot and the competition is highly intense in the premium motorcycle segments as well, manufacturers are constantly trying to make their offerings more affordable. As a result, even the very capable sports bikes are now well within the reach of the mass buyers, although albeit a premium bike costs as much as an entry level small car. For the hardcore motorcycle aficionados who would never trade his bike for a car, a premium motorcycle is the perfect companion. However, again due to the innumerable choices in these segments, it can be really baffling when choosing a particular model. Even though choosing a bike depends largely on personal choice, when you are looking to buy the very best model within your budget, it is always good to have the knowledge of the best all-round models on the market.
Thus, here we are making a list of the very best premium motorcycle models under the price bracket of Rs. 5 lakhs. Keeping in mind that buyers have different choices and different budgets, we are compiling the best sporty bike models from different segments. The motorcycle models mentioned below are not in any particular order as well, and we think they are all simply great in their own segments. So, check out the top 5 sports bikes under Rs. 5 lakhs in India.
KTM Duke 390
The KTM Duke 390 is at present the most powerful as well as affordable naked bike in the Indian motorcycle market. The motorcycle features KTM’s signature styling with steel trellis frame painted in bright orange, split seat and a large fuel tank. There is a sleek cowl, vertical headlight and a full digital instrument display. The bike is equipped with a single cylinder 373 cc mill that is capable of delivering a top power of 43 Bhp at 9500 rpm and a peak torque of 35 Nm at 7250 rpm. It is lightweight at just 154 kg and is equipped with 6 speed manual transmission. Its suspension system comprises of inverted fssorks up front and mono-shock at its rear, while stopping power comes from a 300 mm disc brake for the front wheel and 230 mm disc brake at rear aided by ABS. It is priced at around Rs. 1.95 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Kawasaki Ninja 300
The Ninja 300 looks highly futuristic. It features sharp dual headlights, long and pointy V-shaped visor with black rear view mirrors and many other striking design elements to make it a highly alluring, with a stunning side profile. The bike gets a liquid cooled, parallel twin 296 cc mill that offers a maximum power output of 39 Bhp at 11000 rpm along with top torque of 27 Nm at 10000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission. Its suspension system comprises of a 37 mm telescopic forks at its front, while the rear gets 5-way adjustable gas charged shock absorber suspension. Braking duty on the Ninja 300 comes from a 290 mm petal disc brake for the front wheel, while the rear one gets equipped with a 220 mm single disc brake and also comes braced with an advanced ABS system. It is priced at around Rs. 3,65,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Benelli TNT 300
The TNT 300 flaunts a robot look with its large V-shaped headlights along with a tiny windscreen. It offers a sculpted and muscular visual appeal which is enhanced with the arrowhead shaped cowl which helps it offer the big bike look. This bike come equipped with a 300 cc, 4-stroke liquid cooled, twin-cylinder engine that offers the peak power output of 37.73 Bhp at 11,500 rpm and a top torque of 26.5 Nm at 10,000 rpm and gets paired to a 6 speed transmission along with a wet clutch. The bike’s stopping power comes from 260 mm twin disc brakes up front and 240 mm single disc brake for its rear wheel. The Benelli 41 mm upside down forks suspension does the duty up front, while the rear gets the Benelli 120 mm stroke shock. It will cost you around Rs. 3,03,000.
KTM RC 390
The new-gen model of this sports bike model from the Austrian maker comes with a different paint scheme from the previous model. The bike looks and feels more contemporary, sharp and attractive. It now gets more of the KTM’s patent Orange accents all over along with Jet Black and White colors on its body panels. It also flaunts a new exhaust system, which also increases its weight. The bike gets a 373.2 cc, single cylinder liquid cooled engine that offers 43.5 PS and 36 NM. It now gets a larger 320 mm front disc brake for enhanced braking and new clutch levers. It comes priced at Rs. 2,25,300 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Yamaha R3
This entry level premium motorcycle model from the Japanese bike maker goes up against the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and KTM RC 390. It is aggressive looking with full fairing bike gets design cues from its elder sibling R6. Its stunning looks make it appear to be more expensive than it is. This is the first CKD import from Yamaha into India and is packed with a new 321 cc twin cylinder mill that generates 41 Bhp of power and 30 Nm of torque. The engine comes paired with a 6 speed manual transmission gearbox. The bike is really capable, but on the downside, it does not offer ABS as well as slipper clutch. However, it justifies its premium class and price with a very worthy premium built quality, reliable performance and great handling. The Yamaha R3 has quite competitively tagged at Rs. 3.25 lakhs.