7 BEST ‘value-for-money’ high-performance motorcycles: Yamaha R15 to Bajaj Dominar

An average Indian performance motorcycle buyer is spoilt for choice. There are not only a lot of bikes on offer but what makes it really tough to choose between these bikes is that each of them excels in at least one particular area. Today, however, we have decided to put all the confusion to rest. Here, in this list, we have seven bikes across different segments in the Indian performance motorcycle market that offer the maximum bang for your buck.

Fully faired sportsbikes above 200 cc – KTM RC 390

• Price- Rs. 2.37 lakh
• Power & Torque – 43.5 PS & 36 Nm
• Features- Projector headlights, Dual-channel ABS, WP Front forks

The KTM RC 390 is the bike to have if you’ve been in the market for a fully faired sportsbike with an engine size of more than 300 cc. The RC 390, at Rs. 2.37 lakh, is slightly pricier than the recently launched TVS Apache RR 310. However, its 373.3-cc engine is a stronger performer. Also, it offers features like twin projector headlamps, dual-channel ABS and WP upside front forks.

Fully faired sportsbikes below 200 cc – Yamaha YZF-R15 V3

• Price – Rs. 1.25 lakh
• Power & Torque – 19.3 PS & 15 Nm
• Features – LED headlamp, Monoshock, All-digital instrumentation

For a smaller fully faired sportsbike, you need to take a good look at the recently launched Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0. The R15 V3 has a 155-cc engine but its power output is comparable to that of some of the bigger motorcycles. You also get some high-end features like LED headlamps and an all-digital instrumentation.

Naked bikes above 200 cc – KTM 390 Duke

• Price – Rs 2.40 lakh
• Power & Torque – 43.5 PS & 37 Nm
• Features- Dual-channel ABS, TFT Speedo, WP Front fork

The 2018 KTM 390 Duke is THE naked bike to buy in the above-300 cc segment. Going by its strong performance and a long list of features, the 390 Duke is simply a great value-for-money proposition.

Naked bikes below 200  cc – Bajaj Pulsar NS200

• Price – Rs. 95,279 to 1,14,810
• Power & Torque – 23.5 PS & 18.3 Nm
• Features – ABS, Front & Rear Disc brakes, Monoshock

In the lower segments, it’s the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 that is the naked motorcycle to put your money on. It has got muscular looks, a long list of features that includes bits like ABS and monoshock, and is powered by an engine that finds its roots in the costlier KTM 200 Duke. The NS200 is pure VFM.

Sports Tourer – Bajaj Dominar 400

• Price – Rs. 1.42 to 1.60 lakh
• Power & Torque – 35 PS & 35 Nm
• Features – Dual-channel ABS, Full-LED headlamp, 150-spec rear tire

Want a well-priced touring bike that has enough power, comfortable ergonomics and a strong head lamp? Well, the Dominar 400 should be the perfect bike for you. It is powered by a 373.3-cc engine that is derived from the Duke 390’s engine. It also offers a full LED head lamp and a dual-channel ABS, which makes it a good buy.

Cruisers – Bajaj Avenger Street 220

• Price – Rs. 95,000
• Power & Torque – 19.03 PS & 17.5 Nm
• Features – Digital Speedo, LED DRL, Alloy Wheels

The Bajaj Avenger Street 220 has to be the winner of the VFM stakes among cruiser motorcycles. Available for roughly Rs. 95,000, this motorcycle is powered by a 219.9-cc engine that made its debut on the erstwhile Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi. There’s enough grunt on offer and Bajaj has improved the refinement level of this engine over the years. You also get bits like multi-spoke alloy wheels and a digital speedometer console. A very attractive price tag makes this motorcycle unbeatable value for money.

Retro – Royal Enfield Desert Storm 500

• Price – Rs. 1.74 lakh
• Power & Torque – 27.57 PS & 41.3 Nm
• Features – Aesthetically designed short silencer, Twin Gas Charged Shock Absorbers, Optional Off-road Accessories

Want a powerful and a slightly rugged motorcycle that’s high on retro charm? The RE Desert Storm 500 should be your safest bet. It’s powered by a 499-cc, single-cylinder engine that outputs decent power and a lot of torque. In terms of retro appeal, it manages to capture the essence of the original Royal Enfields from over a century ago.