The list includes some of the most affordable and powerful entry-level premium offerings from some renowned motorcycle manufacturers
The Indian motorcycle market is changing rapidly. People are now shifting their focus from entry level commuters to premium bikes. As a result, the two-wheeler manufacturers too are also bringing in new and powerful motorcycles which in turn are giving buyers more options and choices to choose from.
Talking about premium motorcycles, in particular, the entry-level premium motorcycle scenario in India has seen quite a revolution in recent times. Four or five years ago people were left with only a few options if they wanted to get their hands on an entry-level premium motorcycle.
However, now they have plenty of motorcycles to choose from if they want a motorcycle within Rs. 3.5 Lakh price bracket. Below provided is the list of some of the best motorcycles which you can buy around 3.5 Lakh rupees.
1. Kawasaki Ninja 300
Price: Rs. 2.98 lakh (Ex-Showroom)
There is no doubt in the fact that the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is one of the finest entry-level premium motorcycles in India. Kawasaki although has stopped selling the Ninja 300 in other International markets but due to its demand they still continue selling the Ninja 300 in India. Kawasaki has made the motorcycle more affordable in the year 2018.
The 2018 Ninja 300 which is launched in India around the month of July is cheaper than its predecessor by almost Rs. 62, 000. This was made possible because Kawasaki has used more locally sourced content into it. The 2018 Ninja 300 has received new paint schemes and also the option of a dual channel ABS setup now.
The motorcycle is still powered by the same 296 cc parallel-twin cylinder, 8 Valve, DOHC engine. This engine produces about 38 bhp of peak power at 11,000 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox which sends power to the rear wheels. The motorcycle gets a slipper assist clutch now which makes things easier for the rider. This is currently the most affordable twin cylinder motorcycle available in the Country.
2. KTM Duke 390
Price: Rs. 2.26 lakh (ex-Delhi)
There are plenty of reasons why you should actually get your hand on a KTM Duke 390. This is one of the lightest motorcycles in its segment and at the same time is also one of the most powerful ones which you can get your hands on.
The second generation Duke 390 gets an updated frame which is not the same unit used in the Duke200 though. The motorcycle is powered by a 373 cc, single cylinder unit capable of producing about 44 HP of peak power at 9000 rpm and higher torque value of 37 NM at 7000 rpm.
The motorcycle gets a ride by wire technology, dual-channel ABS, a large TFT instrument cluster and a super Duke inspired LED headlamps. There is no doubt in the fact that the Duke390 is the most loaded and value for money entry level premium motorcycle that you can buy with your hard earned money.
3. TVS Apache RR 310
Price: 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom).
TVS Apache RR 310 is the flagship offering of the renowned Chennai based Indian two-wheeler manufacturer which was launched recently. The motorcycle shares more than just the motor with the entry-level BMW G310R and 310 GS.
The Apache RR310 takes its design idea from the Akula concept which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016 and the production-spec variant definitely looks aggressive and stylish. Talking about its engine the RR310 is powered by a 312.2cc, single-cylinder, DOHC engine which produces about 34hp of peak power at 9,700rpm and 27.3Nm at 7,700rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox.
The motorcycle is loaded with plenty of features including a bi-LED projector headlight, dual channel ABS and a vertically stacked instrument cluster which offers plenty of information to the rider including a speedometer, tachometer, gear-position indicator, a fuel-efficiency read-out, range and also a clock. TVS also has patented a hot air deflector which diverts the heat downwards from the rider’s legs.
Although the motorcycle comes nowhere close to its rival RC 390 and Duke 390 when it comes to performance figures. Still, the motorcycle provides enough grunt which is enough for Indian roads. The Apache RR310 claims a top speed of 160 kph mark and can reach 0-60 km mark in just 2.93 seconds.
4. Royal Enfield 650 Twins (Bookings Open)
Price: Rs. 2.65-3 Lakhs (expected)
There is no doubt in the fact that the RE 650 twins are the most awaited motorcycles of India at this moment. The motorcycles were already launched in the markets of US in September and will be launched here in India in the month of November 2018. These will be the flagship offering from the brand and is also the most powerful motorcycle that they have ever launched in India.
Both the Continental GT 650 and the Interceptor 650 will be powered by a newly developed air and oil-cooled twin cylinder 648cc fuel injected engine. This engine is capable of producing about 47 Bhp of peak power at 7100 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque available at 4000 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox for the very first time in RE’s history. Both the motorcycle also gets slipper clutch and dual-channel ABS as standard.
The reports online suggest that RE will price the Interceptor 650 in between Rs. 2.65 to 2.85 lakh ex-showroom which will make it the most affordable twin cylinder 600+ cc motorcycle of India. The Continental GT650, on the other hand, will be priced slightly higher than the Interceptor. With a 650 cc engine and that impressive power output figures there is no doubt that this is the perhaps the most powerful motorcycle which you can but within Rs. 3.5 Lakh rupees.
5. BMW G310 GS
Price: Rs. 3.49 lakh (Ex-Showroom)
The G310 GS is the most affordable motorcycle from BMW that you can buy in India (after the G310 R). This is an adventure tourer which takes its styling inspiration from its bigger brother the 1200 GS.
The motorcycle is powered by 313 cc, single cylinder unit which also powers the G310 R and has some similarities with the TVS Apache RR310. The engine has been tuned to produce 34 Ps of peak power and 28 Nm of peak torque on this motorcycle.
The baby GS gets a tall suspension setup towards the front and monoshock setup at its rear. ABS comes as standard while it also shares some of its other parts like the instrument cluster and brakes with its sibling the G310 R. However, being a single cylinder motorcycle the pricing is definitely on the expensive side which can be a bummer for many buyers.