Sports bikes hold an essentially different appeal as compared to regular commuter bikes. And in India, where every other person self-proclaims to be a petrol head, this two-wheeler segment is often on the wishlist of youngsters; basically, why sports bikes are always a head-turner. Actual bikes enthusiasts, however, know what separates a sports bike from its stylistic inferiors. Sports bikes in India, or anywhere globally, are equipped with potent engines. Superior handling and performance define every ride on them. Their trademark features are low-set clip-on handlebars and foot-pegs. Although they cost a lot more than ordinary commuter bikes, it does not hinder the overall popularity of sports bikes in India. Some of the best sports bikes in India come from manufacturing giants like TVS, Honda, Harley Davidson, Ducati, Kawasaki, etc. A challenging task of selecting top sports bikes in India is attempted in this article.
Top 10 Sports Bikes in India: 2022
- Hero Xtreme 200S – 1.44 lakhs INR
- Suzuki Gixxer SF – 1.54 lakhs INR
- Bajaj Pulsar RS200 – 1.82 lakhs INR
- Yamaha YZF R15 V3 – 1.82 lakhs INR
- KTM RC 125 – 2.07 lakhs INR
- KTM RC 200 – 2.44 lakhs INR
- TVS Apache RR310 – 2.96 lakhs INR
- KTM RC 390 – 3.29 lakhs INR
- Kawasaki Ninja 300 – 3.64 lakhs INR
- Suzuki Hayabusa – 18.6 lakhs INR
This list of India’s top 10 sports bikes is given above, along with their respective on-road prices in Kolkata. Below we present to you the detailed specifications of these sports bikes. We hope this helps you select a sports bike of your choice in India.
1. Hero Xtreme 200S
The brand that has always delivered when asked for is Hero Motocorp. Due to them, the segment of sports bikes in India is not left out of its good graces. Hero Xtreme 200S very much leans on being a regular commuter bike but ultimately fulfills every standard expectation of any sports bike. Powered by a 199.6 cc BS-VI compliant engine, with dual disc brakes and an anti-locking braking system as a bonus, Xtreme features a sporty outlook focusing heavily on body ergonomics. While multiple body parts (same chassis, gearbox, suspension) are borrowed from its predecessor, Xtreme 200R, Hero Xtreme 200S excels in handling and comfort. The latter is often ignored in sports bikes. It has a fuel tank capacity of 12.8 liters and delivers 40 km/liter of mileage.
2. Suzuki Gixxer SF
Gixxer is one of the most preferred sports bikes in India due to many reasons complementary to each other. Statistics and body dynamics are some of the segment-best of Suzuki’s. Sporting an engine capacity of 155 ccs, 45 km/liter of mileage from a 12-liter fuel tank, and a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox, Gixxer’s engine is a BS-VI variant; therefore, ABS has become standard here. Suzuki Gixxer SF is also rich in inclusive features, such as multi-functional instrument clusters, LED head and taillights, and dual disc brakes. Its visual appeal further emits a premium look.
3. Bajaj Pulsar RS 200
Fully faired sports bike from the Bajaj family and a proud rendition from the Pulsar lineup, Pulsar RS 200 oozes power from the very outset. Its naked, muscular bodywork, aerodynamically sound framework, and aggressive-looking portfolio is a definite head-turner in the streets. Deriving power from a 199.6 cc engine mated with a 6-speed manual transmission, its price has gone up over the years. However, the addition of features and technology has only been refined one after another. Pulsar RS 200 is appropriately fine-tuned for touring as well, although its 13-liter fuel tank and 35 km of mileage hardly inspire long-distance rides.
4. Yamaha YZF R15 V3
Yamaha YZF R15 V3 is a direct competitor of Pulsar RS 200 in many ways. It performs optimally only on the race track due to constant facelifts. The R15 features a fiber fuel tank with a high compression ratio from a 154 cc liquid-cooled 6-speed gearbox. Mileage of 43 km/liter is a particular upside, while ease of riding is not its forte. Although the front and rear suspensions do their best, the R15 brings out its peak performance at mid-range speed when the exhaust and torque are cranked up and can go as far as 10,000 rpm. The V3 upgrade has tweaked up the clutch work and handling at close-knit places.
Yamaha YZF R15 V3 also made it to our list of Best Bikes Under 2 Lakh in India.
5. KTM RC 125
Sports bikes in India will always have more than one inclusion from KTM because even their 125 cc variants are categorized as sports vehicles. KTM RC 125 can churn out 14.5 bhp of power and 12 Nm of torque, has a 6-speed manual transmission, 9.5 liters fuel tank, and dual discs with standardized ABS. Including a fully digital instrument cluster and naked design, RC 125, following the great success of Duke 125, comes with many features that have become typical of every KTM model. The bike looks uncomfortable to sit on, although, over time, the upright sitting position became part of its charm. Dedicated to first-time buyers having expensive tastes, KTM RC 125 is essentially the racing variant of Duke 125 and a much desirable one at that.
6. KTM RC 200
As the engine capacity expands, the fuel efficiency takes a downward toll. The same can be said for KTM RC 200, which sports an engine displacement of 199.6 ccs and mileage of 31 kmpl from a 9.5-liter petrol tank. The braking hardware is well furnished, with disc brakes both in front and rear wheel, dual-channel ABS as standard, and additionally, an anti-locking braking system. RC 200, just like its more potent and less powerful counterparts, is a superb rendition in the field of sports bikes in India. Therefore, it naturally performs its best in the race track, where handling, engine output, and body dynamics all work in harmony bringing out the best of performance.
7. TVS Apache RR310
The Apache lineup is a must inclusion in this list of best sports bikes in India. Powered by a 312 ccs BS-VI compliant BMW-sourced engine, Apache 310 is the flagship bike from TVS. RR310 got its first facelift back in 2017, after which multiple modifications have been made and, as per the officials, perfected in the 2020 model. Above all, the quality and premium zeal is very noticeable and give a very race-bike-worthy character to Apache RR310. The same goes for the finishing touches on the body. Clip-on handlebars and foot-pegs give an aggressive outlook while maintaining a comfortable stance for the rider. The performance of Apache has never been an issue. TVS Apache RR310 can gain a peak speed of 160 kmph and is one of the fastest bikes in India.
8. KTM RC 390
RC bikes come packed with brilliant power and bold ergonomics, and KTM RC 390 is no exception. Due to a 373 cc engine fused with a 6-speed gearbox, this particular model of KTM has many signature qualities. Features like LED projector headlamp, new color schemes, and full-fairing makes KTM RC 390 all the more desirable.
9. Kawasaki Ninja 300
Kawasaki Ninja 300 has held its place in the Indian automobile market and has not lost its footing. It has earned its spot on this list through sheer perseverance. Moreover, the Ninja 300, is powered by a 296 cc engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It has a gigantic 17 little fuel tank, a feat that also contributed to its overall kerb weight (174 kg). Ninja’s maximum torque output is 26.1 Nm, and power output is 33.88 bhp. Above all, Kawasaki always stood for performativity, and Ninja has become India’s most affordable Kawasaki variant.
10. Suzuki Hayabusa
Last but not least comes Suzuki Hayabusa, the most expensive one on this list. 1340 cc BS6 engine, 20-liter fuel tank, 187.3 bhp power output, – the list goes on and on; and all contribute to the making of a long-distance friendly bike, which is comfortable, reliable, and boasts multi-purpose electronics. Suzuki Hayabusa is #1 on our list of 5 Best Superbikes in India, you would be amazed to see the #4 on the list.
Per the present scenario, sports bikes in India will never lose their charm because the market is far and varied; and the same can be said for interested buyers.