The sub 500cc sportbike segment is gaining popularity with its 3 budget -friendly variants Kawasaki Ninja 500, Aprilia RS 457 and Yamaha YZF-R3.

Kawasaki Ninja 500 is the sibling of  ZX-4R which provides a sporty appearance for the beginners. Despite its sharp lines which hint at performance, still its friendly for novice.

Aprilia RS 457 steals the show with high-end Italian design, but some finishing details like paint and switchgear fall short compared to the Kawasaki Ninja 500. 

For riders who value understated speed and timeless style, the Yamaha R3 delivers timeless design in contrast to its other two competitors. 

Powering the new Ninja 500 is a 450cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that makes 45bhp and 42.6Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox.

Whereas, Aprilia RS 457 has  a 457cc liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder, four-valve engine with a 270-degree crank and a claimed output of 47 bhp. This motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox

On the other hand, Yamaha R3 is powered by a 321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that makes 41bhp and 30Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox.

It does not carry much gadgets and is equipped with just an LCD screen and Bluetooth connectivity which makes tech modern with less complications. 

In contrast, its like a like a high-tech Italian supercar on two wheels which has features like colourful TFT display to customizable riding modes.

While Yamaha YZF- R3 is bit traditional, old school type that has a LCD display which is less tech-based and easy to use.

Kawasaki Ninja is the most premium option out of the trio priced at Rs. 5.25 lacs.

Then comes up the Yamaha YZF-R3 priced at Rs. 4.65 lacs.

Aprilia RS 457 priced at Rs. 4.1 lacs. It undercut its rival by being the most pocket friendly out of the trio.