5 Entry-Level Performance Bikes That Should Come To India

  • Jun 23, 2017
  • Views : 27701
  • 6 min read

  • bookmark

Motorcycles that offer a good balance between power and affordability are most suitable for Indian roads. Here are five of them that we think should come to our country!

5 entry level performance bikes

Motorcycles with small but punchy engines offer the best bang for the buck when it comes to seeking two-wheeled thrills. On Indian roads, there is hardly any scope of realising the full potential of litre-class motorcycles. This is where entry-level performance bikes come in. These are apt for Indian conditions as they have just the right amount of power for our roads and are not as expensive as big bikes. Another aspect of such bikes are their useability as you can commute to work without worrying much as they aren't bulky and heavy like high-displacement machines. Here are five good ones that we think have the potential to do well if launched in the Indian market! Also read: 5 Most Affordable Faired Motorcycles In India

Honda CBR 250RR:

CBR 250RR


Honda has gone all-out in developing its quarter-litre performance motorcycle, the CBR 250RR. The bike’s design is much more aggressive than our CBR 250R and it comes with an equally wild 249.7cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin motor that delivers 38.7PS of power at 12500rpm and 23.3Nm of torque at 11000rpm. The fuel is fed to the engine with the help of fuel-injectors that are actuated by ride-by-wire throttle. The feature results in smother throttle responses and the bike also comes with a segment-first riding modes function. There are three modes to choose from- comfort, sport, and sport+.

Coming to the cycle parts, the bike gets inverted forks up front, aluminium swingarm and a five-step adjustable rear monoshock with Pro-link system. The bike is anchored by 310mm petal disc at the front and a 240mm petal disc at the rear and both the brakes are ABS-enabled as well. The fuel tank can hold 14 litres of juice and the bike tips the scales at 168kg, kerb. When it comes to the price, the CBR 250 RR retails at Rs 3.6 lakh in Indonesia. This makes it a tad expensive than other motorcycles of the same engine capacity but for the price, you get an advanced motorcycle with a track-friendly demeanour. Talking about competition it would rival the likes of Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the KTM RC 390 in our two-wheeler space.

Kawasaki Versys-X 300:

Kawasaki Versys X 300


The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is an entry-level adventure touring motorcycle under the Versys family. The bike is powered by a Ninja-derived 296cc liquid cooled parallel-twin DOHC motor which is nestled in a diamond type frame. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission and power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed transmission. The frame is suspended by telescopic forks at the front which offers 129.5mm of travel and a Uni-Trak monoshock at the rear which offers a generous 147.3mm of travel. The ground clearance stands at 180.3mm, and the saddle height is 815.3mm - this is 15mm more than the Himalayan’s seat height. The braking duties are taken care of by ABS-enabled petal disc brakes on both ends. With a kerb weight of just 175kg and a large 17-litre fuel tank, the bike is ideal for touring. The relaxed ergonomics and the windshield also enhance the touring capability of this motorcycle. In the US, the Versys-X 300 ABS is sold at Rs 3.67 lakh. The bike doesnt't have any direct rival as the Himalyan is much cheaper while the BMW G 310 GS and KTM 390 Adventure will be launched next year most likely. 

Suzuki GSX250R:

Suzuki GSX250R
Get latest updates on
the automobile community
Login Now


Suzuki’s GSX250R uses a 248cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin SOHC engine that is tuned to offer optimum low-mid-range torque. Speaking of numbers, the motor puts out 25PS of power and 23.4Nm of torque. A 6-speed gearbox transfers the power to the rear wheel while suspension duties are carried out by 37mm KYB telescopic forks at the front and a KYB adjustable monoshock at the rear. The bike is reined by disc brakes on both ends, and the fuel tank capacity stands at 15 litres. The comfortable ergonomics offered by raised clip-ons, coupled with a large windscreen make this bike a potent sporty tourer. Suzuki claims the bike will return approximately 32.3km to the litre, which is ample for a bike of its class.

With a seat height of 790mm and a kerb weight of 178kg, the bike should be manoeuvrable in city roads too. The GSX250R is expected to be launched by late 2017 and is likely to command a price tag of around Rs 3-3.5 lakh, ex-showroom. Talking about competition it would gou up against the Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the KTM RC 390 in our two-wheeler market.

Aprilia RS 125:

Aprilia RS 125


The Aprilia RS 125 is apt for a budding track rider who is looking for a small but advanced performance motorcycle. The bike employs a 124.2cc fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC engine mated to a 6-speed transmission. The bike comes with all sorts of performance-oriented bells and whistles like an aluminium perimeter frame suspended with 41mm inverted forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear; single channel ABS linked to the front 300mm disc; and a 218mm rear disc. 

The bike also comes with a storage compartment which can hold a 6-inch tablet! Another practicality-enhancing feature is the large 14.5-litre fuel tank, which should ensure good range considering the small engine. Pricing, at Rs 3.85 lakh, is on the higher side but that’s the cost (pun not intended) of making a fully-loaded small capacity performance motorcycle.

Yamaha M-Slaz:

Yamaha M-Slaz


Launched way back in 2008, the Yamaha YZF- R15 is a bit too long in the tooth now. Sure, it got an update in the form of Version 2.0 in 2011 but we feel a naked version of the bike would spice things up in our market. That’s where the Yamaha M-Slaz comes into the picture. The bike uses an R15-based 150cc liquid-cooled SOHC engine which is good for 16.3PS of power and 14.3Nm of torque. Transmission duties are taken care of by a 6-speed gearbox and the engine sits inside a Deltabox frame. The bike also features a fully digital instrument cluster and LED headlights.

Coming to the cycle parts, the M-Slaz employs a 37mm inverted fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are handled by discs on both ends and the fuel tank capacity stands at a modest 10.2litres. The bike weighs just 135kg (wet) and this should ensure sprightly handling. It is sold in Thailand for Rs 1.66 lakh and if launched in India, the M-Slaz could indeed make Yamaha great again, at least as far as the Indian market is concerned. The Yamaha offering will compete against the KTM 250 Duke and Benelli TNT25

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Video Review

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
Rs. 1.92 Lakh
View March Offers

See what our community has to say! NEW

India's largest automotive community

Explore Now
comminity image
×
Recently Visited