Until a few years ago, buying a premium sports bike was an elusive dream for the masses. Couldn’t afford it even after spending the whole life’s savings. However, at present, sports bikes below 500 cc have entered the list of Indian buyers. World-class performance, affordable price, and high-tech features are mind-blowing. There are many options in the market now. Let’s take a look at the best sports bikes under 500cc in India.
KTM RC 390
Although the KTM RC 390 is the only single cylinder bike on the list, the performance is largely on par with the parallel twin engine. The second generation model uses a 373.27 cc liquid cooled engine. It can produce a maximum power of 43.5 PS at 9,000 rpm and a torque of 37 Nm at 7,000 rpm. It offers great features like TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity, quick shifter, cornering ABS, traction control. Prices start from Tk 3.18 lakh (ex-showroom).
Yamaha R3
Yamaha R3 has made its debut in the Indian market after a long hiatus. Along with the new design, it has added all the latest features. The Yamaha R3 comes with USD fork, updated front fairing, LED head lamps, LED turn indicators and full HD instrument cluster. The bike is powered by a 321 cc liquid cooled parallel twin engine. Its output is 42 PS and 29.5 Nm. The ex-showroom price of the Yamaha R3 is Tk 4.65 lakh.
Kawasaki Ninja 400
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is equally popular as the Yamaha R3, although it costs a lot more to buy. However, Kawasaki has tweaked the performance to match the price. 399 cc engine is used in it. Its power and torque outputs are 45 PS and 37 Nm. 5.24 lakhs (ex-showroom) will get the keys to the Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Aprilia RS 457
The Aprilia RS 457 has made its debut in the country with a bang at a slightly lower price than the overpriced Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3. In fact, the Aprilia RS 457 is manufactured in the country, even though the previous two bikes came to India as a complete build i.e. CBU. That’s why the price difference is as clear as daylight.
The bike’s 457 cc liquid cooled parallel twin engine is capable of delivering world class performance. It can produce a maximum power of 47.6 PS at 9400 rpm and a maximum torque of 43.5 Nm at 6700 rpm. Special features include three riding modes (Eco, Rain and Sport), ride-by-wire, backlit switches, TFT instrument console, traction control and optional quick shifter. Price Rs 4.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R
Currently the most powerful sports bike under 500 cc is the Ninja ZX-4R, with a 399 cc inline four cylinder engine that produces a maximum power of 77 PS at 14,500 rpm. Which is simply incredible. Along with track oriented supersport chassis, suspension, riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport and Rider), traction control, quick shifter, etc., the Ninja ZX-4R has become the best in the segment. The price is also higher due to the use of premium equipment. Its ex-showroom price is Tk 8.49 lakh.
