Performance used to come at a steep price, but in the last decade, the Indian motorcycle market has seen a shift. More brands are now offering high-performance bikes at relatively affordable prices, making sporty machines more accessible than ever. Back in February, we featured the top 5 bikes under ₹3 lakh. Just a few months later, we now bring you a refined list that focuses on machines priced even lower — under ₹2.5 lakh.
Note: All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, Delhi.
7. Hero Xtreme 250R
Power: 30hp
Price: ₹1.80 lakh
The Xtreme 250R is Hero MotoCorp’s first true foray into the quarter-litre segment. It packs a 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that churns out 30hp and 25Nm. While it’s the most powerful Hero motorcycle to date, it ranks lowest here in terms of outright power. That said, it’s also the most affordable bike on this list, making it a great choice for riders stepping up from 150cc or 200cc machines.
6. KTM 250 Duke (Gen 3)
Power: 31hp
Price: ₹2.30 lakh
KTM’s 250 Duke has always struck a sweet balance between everyday usability and raw fun. The latest generation brings an upgraded chassis, sharper styling, and new tech like a TFT dash and a quickshifter. Its 249cc engine pushes out 31hp and 25Nm, and thanks to revised ergonomics and the addition of an aluminium swingarm, it’s now even better to ride.
5. Triumph Speed T4
Power: 31hp
Price: ₹1.99–2.03 lakh
Based on the Speed 400, the Triumph Speed T4 uses the same 399cc engine with revised internals — including a smaller throttle body, modified camshaft, and a heavier crank — to offer a more relaxed character. While peak power is slightly lower at 31hp, torque is a healthy 36Nm. In shedding a few features like ride-by-wire and traction control, Triumph has kept costs in check, making the T4 its most affordable model yet.
4. TVS Apache RTR 310
Power: 35.6hp
Price: ₹2.50–2.72 lakh
TVS took the faired RR 310’s platform and gave it a streetfighter makeover to create the RTR 310. It delivers 35.6hp and 28.7Nm from its 312cc engine, but it’s the tech package that really shines. With segment-first features like climate-controlled seats, multiple ride modes, and full-colour TFT instrumentation, the RTR 310 is as high-tech as it is quick. While some variants exceed ₹2.5 lakh, the base version just squeezes in.
3. Bajaj Dominar 400
Power: 40hp
Price: ₹2.39 lakh
The Dominar 400 continues to be a strong contender for riders who love long-distance touring. Its 373cc engine, borrowed from the KTM 390 series, makes 40hp and 35Nm. The biggest downside? Its 192kg kerb weight makes it the heaviest in this lineup, slightly dulling performance. Still, for those seeking a highway cruiser with solid stability, the Dominar delivers great value.
2. Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z
Power: 40hp
Price: ₹1.85 lakh
The NS400Z brings big-bike performance to the Pulsar family without inflating the price tag. Using the same engine as the Dominar 400 but weighing 18kg less, it delivers noticeably better performance. At just ₹1.85 lakh, it’s the most affordable 40hp bike you can buy today. Bajaj has even added features like riding modes and traction control — making this bike a true performance bargain. An update with more power and improved hardware is reportedly on the way.
1. Triumph Speed 400
Power: 40hp
Price: ₹2.46 lakh
The Triumph Speed 400 stands tall not just for its 40hp output, but also for its refined engineering, lightweight chassis (176kg), and premium feel. It may not scream aggression like some rivals, but its 398cc engine delivers a broad torque curve with 37.5Nm, ensuring strong, usable power across the rev range. At ₹2.46 lakh, it’s the gateway to the Triumph brand — and an incredibly well-rounded motorcycle at this price point.
Conclusion
This list proves that you no longer need to stretch your budget to ₹3 lakh or more to enjoy serious performance. With bikes like the Pulsar NS400Z and Triumph Speed 400 offering 40hp engines under ₹2.5 lakh, performance motorcycling in India has truly entered a new era of accessibility.
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