Sports bikes have always been an aspiration for young riders in India who have a flair for speed. Over the last few years, the market for sports bikes in India has grown significantly with multiple offerings in the entry-level segment with almost every mainstream manufacturer comprising at least one model in this segment.
Let us look at the top 5 most affordable sports bikes currently available for sale in India.
Suzuki Gixxer SF- Price: Rs 1.36 lakh
Suzuki Gixxer SF is the most affordable faired sports bike currently on sale in India with prices starting at Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom). Based on the street naked Gixxer 155, this motorcycle is powered by a 155 cc single-cylinder fuel-injected motor that produces 13.4 bhp and 13.8 Nm. This engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox.
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V- Price: Rs 1.43 lakh
Hero Xtreme 200S might not be very popular but it surely is one of the most affordable sports bikes one could get in the market. Last year, it received an upgraded 199.6cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled, 4-valve engine from the Xpulse. This motor now churns out 18.9 bhp at 8,000rpm and a peak torque of 17.35 Nm at 6,500rpm. Transmission duties are carried out by a 5-speed gearbox. Available in a single variant it is offered at a price of Rs 1.43 lakh (ex-showroom).
Yamaha R15- Price: 1.66 lakh
One of the most desirable entry-level sports bikes, Yamaha R15 has a cult following. Available in two derivatives– the older-gen R15S and the new-gen R15 V4.0, prices for the following start at Rs 1.66 lakh while the latter starts at Rs 1.82 lakh (both ex-showroom). Both versions are powered by the same 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve, fuel-injected engine with VVA system. This motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox but outputs are marginally different from each other.
Bajaj Pulsar RS200- Price: Rs 1.72 lakh
Bajaj sells the Pulsar RS200 at a price of Rs 1.72 lakh (ex-showroom). It is powered by a 199.5cc fuel-injected, four-valve, liquid-cooled motor derived from the KTM 200 range. However, in the Pulsar this engine is slightly detuned to produce 24.2 bhp at 9750 rpm and 18.7 Nm at 8000 rpm. It comes mated to a six-speed gearbox with a top speed rated at 140.8 kmph.
KTM RC 125– Price: Rs 1.89 lakh
The RC 125 is an entry to the KTM’s range of sports bikes. Priced at Rs 1.89 lakh (ex-showroom), it is powered by a 124cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that received minor changes like a larger airbox, said to offer better lower-end torque. This engine pushes out 14.34 bhp and a peak torque of 12 Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
(Note: Bajaj Pulsar F250 and Hero Karizma XMR not included in the list since there are no updates on the deliveries status of both bikes.)