Here are 5 sub-300cc bikes retailed in India which make their rider grin
There are plentiful bikes in the sub-300cc segment in India but not a lot of them are a hoot to ride. However, as with any case, there are exceptions.
We’ve compiled a list of 5 bikes that we think are a lot of fun for the money and because they have lower capacity motors, they return good fuel economy too.
5, Yamaha R15
Priced from Rs. 1.58 lakh to Rs. 1.83 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) this 150cc supersport style motorcycle is not popular in India without reason. Sure it is a premium machine, but, it V4 guise it comes with some nice features including an assist and slipper clutch, a quickshifter and traction control.
Its 155cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine delivers between 18.4 and 18.6 PS based on the variant chosen and around 14 torques. In the real world, the bike returns between 35 and 45 km/l.
4, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
With near enough 21 PS from its 200cc oil-cooled motor the TVS Apache that costs between Rs. 1.36 lakh and Rs. 1.41 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), comes with more than enough equipment for its class.
For example, the bike has 3 ride modes, adjustable hand levers, pre-load adjustable Showa front suspension, a Showa rear monoshock and also a slipper clutch. While one need not break the bank to purchase it, the same goes for running it as well, since the bike can return up to 35 km/l.
3, Yamaha FZ 25
Priced between Rs. 1.39 lakh and Rs. 1.43 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) the 250cc naked machine is one of those sensible sub-300cc bikes in India that for some reason did not manage to set the sales chart on fire.
With close to 21 PS of power and just over 20 Nm of torque, the FZ 25 weighs under 155 kg (wet) and is an apt machine to make one’s daily commute a lot more fun while being fast enough on our ever congested roads. It will take a thrashing but the fuel bills will not be worrisome either.
2, Bajaj Pulsar 250 Twins
Costing between Rs. 1.39 lakh and Rs. 1.41 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Pulsar 250cc twins come with an oil-cooled engine delivering 24.5 PS and 21.5 Nm.
These new generation Pulsars which make use of an all-new chassis look the business. Love them or hate them, both bikes are quick in the real world and do not cost a mountain to keep them running.
1, Kawasaki Ninja 300
Yes, yes the Ninja 300 costs Rs. 3.24 lakhs (ex-showroom) and is on the premium side of the sub-300cc bikes In India for the kind of performance it offers (39 PS and 26.1 torques).
But, its 296cc parallel-twin motor is a gem and it works with a 6-speed gearbox that has an assist and slipper clutch to make shifting through the gears a smooth affair.
Despite taking a thrashing, the motor will continue to perform time and again and chances are, if looked after well, this Japanese machine will outlive its owner. It might cost a lot to buy, but at least its fuel economy will hover around 30 km/l when ridden sanely. So that’s good.